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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA., jl 



• 
THE ACTING EDITION. 



THE 



JEWESS OF HEIDLEBERG, 



OB, 



THE FALL OF THE INQUISITION. 



A THRILLING DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. 



DRAMATISED BY N. C. EDWARDS. 



WITH CAST OF CHARACTERS, STAGE BUSINESS, COS- 
TUMES, RELATIVE POSITIONS, <fco., Ac. 




BUFFALO : 

GRO. W. REESE, BOOK <fc JOB PRINTER, 148 MAIN STRBKT, 
1866. 



\ \ 






Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1866, by 

N. C. EDWARDS, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Northern District 

of New York. 



Positively this Drama is not transferable. 



TMP96-0C7266 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

Ar Martin Wilsdorf.—k Knightfof Germany. 
Bardolf Eberswald. — His Esquire. 
Berthold. — The Margrave of Baden. 
Conrad of Marburg. — The Chief of the Inquisition. 
Sir Joseph\ Verdin. — Grand Master cf the Brotherhood, 
Victor of Antioch. — Deputy Grand^Master. 
Hector. — Lieutenant. 
Baldwin of Tyre.— k\ Knight of Tyre.' 
Michael Forstern. — an Inn Keeper. 
Andrew\Forribach. — an Inn Keeper. 
Walter. — A Spy of the Inquisition. 
Therwald. — A Spy^of the Inquisition. 
Jacob Olsheim. — Father of Eleanor. 
A^La,}*™*^^ 

Soldiers, Familars, and Brothers of tki Sttel Crott. 
Eleanor Olsheim. — the Jewess of Heidelberg. 
Irene. — Niece of Victor of Antioch. 
Theresa— Wife of Michael Forstern. 
Margaret.— Wife of Andrew^Fornbach. 
Chambermaid. 
Katrina.—A. Domestic. 
Calypso, 



STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

R. means Right ; L. Left ; F. the Flat or Scene running across the back of the stage ; 
D. F. Door in Flat ; R. D. Right Door ; L. D. Left Door ; F. E. First Entrance ; C. 
Centre ; S. E. Second Entrance ; U. C. Upper Centre. 

%* The Reader is supposed to be on the stage facing the audience.- ■ • »•• 

ACT I. 
Trial by midnight of Bardolf of Eberswald. 

ACT II. 
Death of Jacob Olsheim. 

ACTgill. 
Escape of the Jewess of Heidelberg. 

ACT IV. 
Death of the Spy of the Inquisition. 

ACT V. 
Destruction and fall of the Inquisition. 



COSTUMES. 

WTLSDORF.— Doublet, with belt and sword in sheath around the waist, knee breech- 
es, tights, shoes with buckle, cape attached to doublet, har with white plume, gauntlets 

EBERSWALD. — Short Doublet with white collar, knee breeches, russet boots, hat 
with black feather, sword, &e. 

BERTHOLD. — Ankle boots, tights, knee breeches, doublet with hanging sleeves, hat 
with feather, red domino, mask, &c. 

CONRAD.— Suit of black, black domino, with tinsel cross. 

VERDIN.— Suit of black, sword. 

VICTOR.— Brown suit and sword. 

HECTOR. — First dress, black domino with red cross — Second dress in fifth act, last 
scene, black suit and sword. 

BALDWIN.— Same as Victor. 

MICHAEL. — Brown doublet, knee breeches, grey stockings, shoes. 

ANDREW.— Ibid. 

WALTER.— Black Doublet, with cape attached— broad brimmed hat, with black feath- 
er — knee breeches, and russet boots, sword, &c. 

THERWALD.— Black Domino and Red Cross, Sword, &c. 

JACOB OLSHEIM.— Figured Robe— long grey hair and beard. 

MOSES.— Brown Gown. 

ANSELMO — First dress, Mack gown — Second dress, tattered dress. 

FAMILIARS OF THE INQUISITION.— Black dominos, red cross and swords. 

SOLDIERS.— Doublets and knee breeches, boot tops, shoulder sword belts, with sword, 
helmet, &c. 

ELEANOR. — Sky blue silk dress, the hair to be worn in curls. 

IRENE. — Boys dress to suit the times. ^ 

KATRINA.— Servants attire 

THERESA — Brown dress and cap. 

MARGARET.— Black dress, cap, &c 

CHAMBERMAID.— Common attire. 

CALYPSO.— Dark brown dress and cap. 



SCENE,— GERMANY. 

THIRTEENTH CENTURY. 



THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. 



ACT I. 

Scene 1. — Martin Wilsdorf 's Apartments — Armor hanging on teali-— 
table arid chairs, l. — A fireplace, a. — Window, r. f. — a Door, o. v. 

Baedolf Eberswald discovered sitting on a chair, a. — Thunder andlightning 

[Knoek, d. k. 
Baedolf opens the door."} 

Enter Sir Martin Wilsdorf, muffled in a cloak. 

Mar. Zounds! This is a storm in very deed, [takes off cloak 
and lays it on a chair. ,] 

Bard. By our lady, you may well say so, my master. The 
rain has beat against our windows until I verily thought the glass 
would be driven in ; and the thunder has sounded as though the 
peaks of the Schwarzwald were tumbling to pieces. But you are 
wet and cold. Shall I put a fire in your chamber ? 

Mar. No, Bardolf. Bring me dry clothing, and I will get rid 
of the wet and chill while you are preparing supper, [exit Bar- 
dolf, l. 2. e. — takes a chair and sits by thejire.'] The Margrave is 
getting too bold. Though he is my pupil he treats me like his 
slave ; but I think he will find that Sir Martin Wilsdorf will not 
much longer be his tutor. 

Re-enter Bardolf, l. 2. e. with dry clothing. 

Bard. Here is your clothing, and you can be putting them on 
while I see about your supper. 

Mar, That is right, Bardolf. I must confess that I do feel 
quite hungry. Try and be as quick as you can, [exit Bardolf 
r. 2 e. — puts on dry clothing. — Re-enter Bardolf, r, with supper 
on a tray.] Ah ! good Bardolf you are quick. 



6 THE JEWESS OV HEIDELBERG. [ACT 1 . 

Bard. [Puts a white spread on table and then the supper^] 
That is what I am always. — It is all ready, so come and take a 
seat. 

Mar. [sitting by the table and eats.] Has there been any per- 
son here this evening ? 

Bard. No, good master; nobody was here. Why, do you ex- 
pect any person to night. 

Mar. No. But as T was going a little ways above here, I met 
a man coming from this direction. So I thought he might have 
been here and enquiring for me. I did not speak to the man be- 
cause he did'nt seem to notice me. [Thunder and Lightning.] This 
is a great storm — but, good Bardolf, have you had your supper ? 

Bard. ! yes. 

Mar. That is right. And I must tell you, whenever you feel 
hungry, you can eat as much as you choose, [rising^] Well, I'm 
done; you can clear the table. [Bardolf clears the table and 
exeunt r.] [Goes to window and looks out. Re-enter Bardolf, r.] 

Bard. Egad, Sir Martin, this is a doleful night. [Lightning.'] 

Mar. A doleful night — a doleful day — a doleful year ! [goes 
to c] What sort of a country do you call this? 

Bard, A fair country, sir, is it not ! 

Mar. So fail-, Bardolf, that I have a mind to leave it. 

Bard. What ! leave Baden ? 

Mar. Aye, and leave Germany too. 

Bard. You are out of sorts, my master ; what has gone wrong ? 

Mar. What has gone right? 

Bard. Why, much has gone right. You are famous. Even 
the Margrave himself comes to you for instruction. 

Mar. Not so, Bardolf. The Margrave sends for me to come, 
to him. 

Bard. But you are his tutor ? 

Mar. Yes. 



Scene 1.] the Jewess of heidelberg. 7 

Bard. And how does he succeed ? 

Mar. Hah ! How can I do that which nature has failed to ac- 
complish. 

Bard. What has nature to do with making a swordsman? 

Mar. Nature has much to do with making a man ! 

Bard. Certainly. 

Mar. But she has not made a man of Berthold. He is a 
wretch ! 

Bard. And methinks, he has plenty of company. 

Mar. Aye, that he has; and I would be rid -of them. In truth, 
good Bardolf, I believe I shall ere long bid adieu to Germany. 

Bard. And whither will you go ? 

Mar. To some land wheie there is a Christian ruler. 

Bard. Is there not a Christian ruler here, my master ? 

Mar. Who rules in Germany ? 

Bard. Frederic is Emporer. 

Mar. Then why is he not with his people ? Why is he hid- 
den away in his Italian Kingdom, following pursuits that are only 
fit for girls and tender headed boys ! By Saint Paul ! Frederick is 

not ruler in Germany. 

Bard. Who is ruler then? 

Mar. Conrad of Marberg! [Bardolf crosses himself.'] The 
Inquisition has become the governing power in Germany, and the 
chief inquisitor absolutely holds the reins of government. Do I 
not speak the truth ? Lives there a man in the empire, outside of 
the holy office, whose life is not in the hands of Conrad and his 
red handed familiars ? 

Bard, [Looking around the room.'] Zounds, my master ! if 
Conrad of Marburg could know of your bold speech, your head 
wouldn't be worth a straw. 

Mar. Exactly, Bardolf; and the fact that you speak the truth 

proves the truth of what I have said. Should you inform against 
me. I 



8 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT 1. 

Bard. Hold, Sir Martin. By the mass, I'll not listen to such 
speech. If I inform against you! Why don't you[ask me if I 
would cut off my own head ! [a knock, d f.] Holy Lady ! who 
can that be on such a night as this ? 

Mar. Go and see. 

Bard. Suppose it should be the black-robed inquisitors ! 

Mar. Pshaw ! The inquisitors don't trouble themselves to go 
about the streets after their victims. Make haste and don't keep 
the applicant too long in the storm. [Bardolf opens the door. 
Thunder and Lightning^ 

Enter Victor of Anticoh and Baldwin of Tyre. 

Vic. We seek Martin Wilsdorf. 

Mar. I am the man. 

Vic. We would speak with him alone. 

Mar. Bardolf, you will please retire. [Bardolf exuent. r.] 
Gentlemen, I am Martin Wilsdorf, and this is my home. If you 
seek shelter from the storm, you are welcome. If you come on 
business, I am ready to listen. 

Vic. We are alone, I think. 
* Mar, Yes sir. 

Vic. Let us be seated then, and speak understandingly. We 
are strangers to you, though you ai e not a stranger to us. For 
the present you may know me as Vietor of Antioch. My com- 
panion you may call Baldwin of Tyre. Do you wonder at our 
names ? 

Mar. Not at all, [drawing three chairs to c. and all seat 
themselves. The meaning of your visit affords me wonder enough 
for the present. And still, the names of Antioch and Tyre recur 
to me with many wonderful associations. 

Vic. [Throwing open his coal and shows on his vest a cross.] 
Perhaps you know the meaning of this ? 
Mar. Ha ! you knew Henry ? 



Scene 1.] the Jewess of heidelberg. 9 

Vic. Yes. 

Mar. He was your friend ? 

Vic. He was my brother. 

Mar. How fares it with him now ? 

Vic. He has my prayers and my gratitude. 

Mar. What more ? 

Vic. My implicit obedience to his laws. 

Mar. Where did you meet him ? 

Vic. In the Holy land. 

Mar. How ? 

Vic. On my knees. 

Mar. Did you take his hand ? 

Vic. I did. 

Mar. How ? 

Fee. [Falling on his knees and takes Martin's hand.'] Thus 

[They converse together.'] 

Mar. We meet, three knights of the cross and sword, and by 
the laws of our order we are friends and brothers even to the 
death. 

Vic. Ah, Wilsdorf, I might put you to a severe test. 

Mar. Try me. 

Vic. I might place my life in your hands. 

Mar. Then my own should be staked for its safety. 

Vic. [Taking a steel cross from pocket which has a point 
like a dagger.] Do you know the meaning of this ? 

Mar. Is it a cross or a dagger ? 

Vic. Both ! It may be a cross for the just, and a dagger for 
the unjust. Would you know more ? 

Mar. Yes. 

Vic. First answer me one question: Are you friendly to the 
inquisition 1 



10 THE JEWESS OP HEIDELBERO. [ACT 1. 

Mar. By the Holy cross! If you were Conrad of Marburg 
himself, I would answer you — No ! 

Vic. Martin Wilsdorf, if I reveal to you a secret which might 
place my life in your hands, will you swear by your honor as a 
Knight of the Cross and Sword, that no word or sign on your 
part, shall betray me, or betray any part of the secret ? 

Mar. I swear, solemnly. 

Vic. I thus trust you in this directness of approach, because 
there was already a sacred bond between us. Know ye that there 
is a secret organization in Germany destined to wield immense pow- 
er against wrong and oppression of every kind. For the present 
its aim is the crushing of the bloody and relentless inquisition. 
Are you willing to join snch an organization ? 

Mar. I am more than willing. I am anxious so to do. 

Vic. Will you hold yourself in readiness to join us when called 
upon ? 

Mar. Yes. 

Vic. [Both he and Baldwin goes to door, f.] Then be 
watchful. 

Mar. I have one favor to ask. If I am to join the society 
of which you have spoken, I would like that my good Bardolf 
should accompany me. We have been together so long, and he 
has been so closely allied to my fortunes, that I could not well keep 
such a secret from him. 

Vic. We have trusted you upon your knightly oath. Your 
esquire is under no sueh bond. 

Mar. I will be answerable for him with my life. 

Vic. Then you may broach the secret to him as you please, 
and if he wishes, he may join with you. It would be well to give 
him information to-night. 

Mar. I will prepare him, sir; and you may rest assured that 
vou will gain a valuable member in him. He has stricken down 



Scene 1.] the Jewess op heidelbero. 11 

many an ungodly Moslem. And if need be, he can strike a good 
blow for liberty of conscience in Germany. Will it be long before 
we shall be called ? 

Vic. Not long. We will find j r ou when we are ready, [Both 
he and Baldwin, exeunt, d. f. Thunder and Lightning.] 

Re-enter Bardolf, r. 

Bard. Then they were not bloody inquisitors. 

Mar. Not at all, Bardolf. They were true and worthy knights 
of tbe Cross and Sword, and their visit has opened my eyes to 
something new. 

Bard. Ah, what is it that is new ? 

, Mar. I will tell you, Bardolf, on one condition. 

Bard. Name it. 

Mar, Not even to save your life will you ever betray your 
knowledge of this thing to any human being not as justly entitled 
to that knowledge as you are yourself. 

Bard. 1 give my solemn promise, and swear by the Holy 
Cross that I'll reveal nothing. 

Mar, Now my good Bardolf, I will inform you of the secret- 
[both taking seats.] You have seen those two gentlemen. The 
elder of the two informed me of the secret, and he calls himself 
Victor of Antioch. and the younger one calls himself Baldwin of 
Tyre. The secret is this. There is a society in Germany com- 
posed of members of all ages and sex, and the principal thing they 
are up for is to crush the despised inquisition. The members are 
Brothers and Friends even to death. And now, Bardolf, do you 
wish to join such a society of Brothers ? 

Bard. Will you join, Sir Martin ? 

Mar. Yes. 

Bard. Theu I am with you while life lasts! [Scene closed in.] 



12 THB JEWESS OV HEIDELBER&. [ACT 1. 

Scene II. — A street in Heidelberg. 
Enter Moses crying, u and Anselmo, r. meeting. 

Ans. My brother! what is the matter? 

Mos. Did you not hear that I was taken last night at twelve 
o'clock, out of my bed. By the Familiars of the Inquisition. 
They bound me — gaged me — and dragged me to their Mother, — 
No, I mean to their Master, the Conrad of Marburg. And he said 
that I should give my gold, and all my valuables, and if not he 
would kill me. Of course I did'nt want to give him my valuables, 
but I had to or else I was afraid of being killed. So I went home 
and gathered all my Gold and valuables together. But an idea 
struck me — to run away. I looked out of the window and saw 
two soldiers watching me. O how bad I felt then. So I went 
straight back to the Inquisition and I gave all my good things to 
Conrad — he has got such big eyes, if you would see him, you 
would be frightened out of your wits, — and then he said that he 
would give me five days time to leave Baden. my dear Ansel- 
mo, I do not know what to do. I have not ate anything since 
last night. I have no money — nothing at all, [crying,] my poor 
Gold, [Flourish of drums and trumpets, r.] "What is that! 
Ah, soldiers! Come quick! [both exeunt in a hurry, l.] 

Scene III. — Martin Wilsdorf's Apartments. Supper on 
Table. 

(See Scene I.) 

Bardolof Eberswald discovered seated reading a newspaper. 

Bard. Bless me, why don't he come. It must be past nine 

o'clock, 

Enter Katrina, r. 

KaU [as entering,] Of course it is. The little bit of moon 
has been down this half-hour. ' It's past ten, if its anything. 



SCENK III.] THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. 13 

Bard. I'm afraid you are right Katrina. Zounds, I don't like 
it. There may he something wrong. 

Kat. Don't he over anxious, Bardolf. Very Jikely our master 
has gone up to the castle. You know the Margrave is his pupil. 

Bard. Yes. 

Kat. And the prince may have kept him to supper; and so, 
good Bardolf, you had hetter eat your own supper ; for I can see 
that you are hungry. You can eat or not, as you choose. I'm 
well satisfied that Sir Martin has eaten, and I shall clear off the 
table before I go to bed. [Exit r.] 

Bard, [goes to windoio and looks out.] Hallo — who is this ? 
[a knock d. f. — opens the door.] 

Enter Bale win of Tyre. 

Bald. Where is the Saxon Bardolf ? 

Bard. What do you want with him ? 

Bald. I have a message for him. 

Bard. Then let me have it. I am the man. 

Bald. Do you know where your master is. 

Bard. No sir. 

Bald. Can you not think of something that has kept him out? 

Bard. Nothing, sir. 

Bald. [Showing him a ring.] Do you know what this is? 

Bard. [Looking sharply at it.] It is my master's signet. 

Bald. Certainly. And by this talisman I command you. — 
You will follow me to the presence of the honorable Knight, Sir 
Martin Wilsdorf. 

Bard. Where is he ? 

Bald. He is where he needs your company Let that suffice 
for the present. 

Bard. Must I go at once ? 

Bald. Yes, I await to conduct you. 



14 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT 1. 

Bard. [Anxiously^] You will please show me the signet once 
more. [Baldwin shoios the ring to him again — he examines it 
carefully.'] O yes, that is right — I will just step up stairs and in- 
form our good Katrina — she is our house-keeper — that I am going 
away. [Exit R.] 

Reenter Bardolf r. 

Now sir I am ready to accompany you ! [both exeunt d.^f.] 

Scene closed in. 

Scene IV. — A Street. 

Sinter Baldwin of Tyre and Bardolf Eberswald, l. 
Bald. [Looking without, R.] Is the noble Knight'within. 
A Sol. [Without r.] He is; and awaits your coming. 
Bald, [to Bardolf.] You may follow me. [both exit r.] 

Scene V. — A cave occupying the entire stage — a Scaffold, l. 
—door f. — a large steel cross and sword, r. — four men dressed 
and masked in black discovered holding a banner representing a 
cross and sword, v. c—all wear black masks and dominos — four 
men armed with spears discovered standing r. and l. — a man is 
discovered holding a torch at each entrance — Sir Martin Wils- 
dorf, sir Joseph verdin, victor of antioch, are disguised stand- 
ing l. — they converse softly together — Bardolf Eberswald dis- 
covered bound, his eyes are also bound — stage quite dark — thun- 
and lightning. 

Ver. Bardolf Eberswald! You may be among friends; and 
you may be among enemies. Your own answers to our questions 
will determine. Let him have light ! [A man unties Bardolf' 's 
eyes, who is surprised and looks around the stage.] Bardolf Eb- 
erswald, you have been brought hither to give us information, and 
if you value your life in this world, and your welfare in the world 
to come, you will answer us without hesitation. Now prepare 



Scene IV.] the jewess of heidelberg. 15 

yourself, and save us from being driven to the use of force. Are 
you ready to answer ? 

Bard. Yes, but first I wish you would take this bond from my 
arms, it paius me. 

Ver. Not yet. You will answer a few questions first, and then,, 
if you satisfy us, you shall be free. This slight term of durance 
will do you no harm. [ Claps with his hands twice — enter two 
men robed and masked in black bringing a table on which is wri- 
ting articles and two chairs, K. — and placing them c. — both take 
seats and ivrites.] Now Bardolf Eberswald, you will give me 
your attention. Have you been in Palestine? 

Bard. Yes. 
Ver. Who was your master? 

Bard. Sir Martin Wilsdorf. 

Ver. Do you know if Sir Martin has joined any society since 
his return from the Holy Land ? 

Bard. I do not. 

Ver. Do you know if he has received any proposition to that 
end? 

Bard. You are going out of your way, sir. If you purpose 
to question me concerning my master's private affairs, I may as well 
stop answering at one point as another. 

Ver, Do you mean that you will not answer me ? 

Bard. I mean that it will be entirely useless for you to ques- 
tion me upon any point connected with those affairs of Martin 
W ilsdorf which belong not to the world. 

Ver. I shall question you, nevertheless; and you will be wise 
if you answer me truly. Now mark: Have you, or have you not 
heard any allusion made by your master to the existence of a secret 
organization in Heidelberg? 

Bard. I have told you once, and I tell you again, that I will 
answer no question of that kind, I do not object to this as a sin- 



16 THE JEWE88 OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT- 1. 

gle question ; but I object to being called upon to disclose any of 
Sir Martin's secrets. 

Ver. Then let me put a question more direct ; Have you ever 
had intimation from any source, that such a society existed in 
Heidelberg ? 

Bard. Sir, I know nothing of which you aim, and I have no 
answer to give. I know not by what authority you question me, 
and I am not willing to be led into your toils. 

Ver. We will see of what stuff you are made, [ Clapping his 
hands three times — enter two men robed and masked in red — they 
seize Bardolf — unbind him — and they drag him to the scaffold,] 
Once more, Bardolf Eberswald; Will you answer me? 

Bard. You have had my answer, 

Ver, Hark ye : We are assured that you know of the existence 
of this secret organization, and we must have your testimony. Will 
you speak ? 

Bard. I have spoken ! 

Ver. Will you die, when a simple answer can save your life ? 

Bard. [Pushing the two men away and jumps to the rope.] I 
will die before I will prove myself unworthy to live. 

Mar. Hold ! he has proved himself sufficiently. It is my 
wish that the ordeal be extended no further. [Bardolf is surpris- 
ed at hearing Martin speak and looks anxiously at him.] 

Vic. Right nobly hath he bome the trial. He is worthy to 
become our brother. [ Martin, Verdin and Victor take off their 
disguises. Bardolf shakes hands with all.] 

Ver. [Taking his hand.] Bardolf Eberswald, surely we can- 
not hesitate to trust you now ; but before we proceed to invest you 
with our secrets, it becomes necessary that you should take upon 
yourself a solemn obligation. That obligation Sir Martin has al- 
ready taken, Have you any objections to take the same ? 

Bard. I have none. 



Scene V.] the jewess op heidelberg. 17 

Ver. You will follow me. [leads him to the cross — Bardolf 
kneels.'] You swear that you will reveal nothing, and be Friends 
and Brothers with your fellow members even to the death ! 
Bard. I swear ! [rising.] 

Ver. Remember, should you in the least, by word or deed, vio- 
late or transgress any part of this obligation, the dagger of a 
brother will find your heart. And we are all likewise liable. The 
meaning of this society is this : Its object is to overthrow the pow- 
er of the terrible inquisition in Germany ; and to the accomplish- 
ment of this purpose, every member pledges his life, his fortune, 
and his sacred honor. If a brother is in distress, you must try 
and save him with your last drop of blood. And if you wish to 
know if a man to whom you are speaking, if a Brother or not 
you do in this way : — First cross yourself, and then if the person 
is a Brother, he will do in like manner, and answer you in this way : 
You are from Antioch? And your answer: — From Tyre — 
Your name — Henry — Is it true? — Satisfy yourself — The son of 
God bore a Gross — So do I — that Cross was of wood — mine is 
of steel — So is mine. Now do you think you will remember the 

sign? 

Bard. Yes sir. 

Ver. While you, my brother, hereby pledge your life, if neces- 
sary, to serve me, remember that I am bound to you in the same 

measure ; and though I have at present the honor to be Grand 
Master of the Brotherhood, yet my life is yours should just occas. 
ion ever require the sacrifice. [Takes from pocket a black ribbon 
on which is suspended a small steel cross pointed like a dagger — 
ties it around Bardolf ''s neck.] And now, in addition to the se- 
crets with which you have been so solemnly entrusted, I hereby in- 
vest you with this badge as a mark of your standing in our society. 
You will wear it always — wear it next your heart — and as you feel 
it press your bosom, you will be ever reminded of the penalty at- 
tached to your obligation. 



18 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT II. 

Bard. I swear once more that 1 will do my duty as a Brother 
of this Society. [Thunder and Lightning^ 

CURTAIN. END OF ACT I. 



ACT II. 

Scene. 1. — Jacob Olsheim's apartments, richly furnished — table 
and chairs, c. — A large trunk standing near table which is 
open, and a number of small bags can be seen in the trunk — 
books, papers and writing articles is on the table — A door, f. 
and a door leading to a chamber, r. Jacob Olsheim is discov- 
ered walking to and fro. 

The Scene is lighted by a handsome lamp which is on a small 
table, l. 

Enter Eleanor, r. d. 

El. My dear Father, why are you up so late? 

Jacob. [Takes her hand.~\ Let me ask you the same question : 
Whv is my Eleanor up so late ? 

El. Because, I knew that my father was not at rest. Some- 
thing worries you. 

Jacob. How know you that, my child ? 

El. I can see with my eye of love. I have seen it for some 
time. I have seen it in your nervous, restless look, and in your 
unusual depth of thought. 

Jacob. You are wonderfully observing, my seraph. 

El. Why have you gathered up your jewels, and why have 
those strong boxes been taken into the vault ? 

Jacob. Pooh ! Don't allow yourself to worry over such things, 
my child, you don't know half the perplexities of my business. 



ScEffE 1.] THB JEWES8 OF HEIDELBERG. 19 

El. [looking earnestly into his face .] My dear father, you en- 
tirely misjudge me. I am not the weak woman that can faint and 
grow powerless in the presence of a danger that can he fully met. 

Jacob. Ah, blessed one, you know but little of the dangers 
that may beset the pathway of earth, my soul ! There are dan- 
gers so dreadful that even the stoutest man might become as a help- 
less infant in the presence thereof. 

El. Ah, my father, you cannot deceive me ; there is some dan- 
ger. be sure that this anxiety which is begotten of uncertainty 
wears more heavily upon me than would any knowledge you could 
impart. Tell me, I pray you, what we have to apprehend ? 

Jacob. [Dropping her hands and turns mournfully away.] 
Eleanor, have you ever heard of the Margrave Berthold ? 

El. [turning pale.~\ Yes, he is ruler in Baden. 

Jacob. Aye, and more powerful in his own dominion than 

is the emporer. Do you know what manner of a man he is ? 

El. I have heard that he is a bad man. 

Jacob, You have heard the truth, my child, He is a bold, 
reckless prince, for whom, 1 verily believe, no work would be too 
wicked, so that his own selfish ends were answered thereby. And 
have you ever heard of Conrad of Marburg? 

El. Mercy! Let me hope that this terrible man has not turn- 
ed his evil eye upon us. 

Jacob. Alas, my child, I know not in what direction his evil 
eye may be turned; but I will confess that I do not feel safe in 
Heidelberg. 

El. Is not the emporer your friend ? 

Jacob. Yes, — he is as much my friend as he can be ; but he 
has litile power in Baden; and moreover, he would not dare to in- 
terfere with the officers of the inquisition than he would dare to 
brave the wrath of Heaven itself. 

El. But, do you fear the Inquisition? 



20 THB JJEWES.S OP HEIDELBERG. [Ad' II. 

Jacob. My dear child, I have reason to fear that terrible pow- 
er. The inquisition is not only being used for the destruction o 
heretics, but it has become a vast engine of plunder. I am liable, 
from two causes, to be brought beneath the fatal torch. I am a 
Jew, and I am wealthy ; and I verily believe that the eyes of both 
Berthold and Conrad are fixed upon me. I tell you plainly, we 
miiit quit Baden. I have already changed most of my gold into 
rare and costly gems, and as soon as I can make settlement with 
my friends I shall depart from Heidelberg. Do you remember the 
rich jeweler Moses ? 
El. Yes. 

Jacob. Do you know where he is ? 
El. I thought he had left Germany. 

Jacob. Alas, Eleanor, I have reason to believe that he has fal~ 
len a victim to the demons of the Inquisition. 
El. Has he been burned \ 

Jacob. AH victims of the Holy Office are not destroyed by 
fire. There are other modes of death — modes hidden in deep 
vaults, far from the light of day, where racks and chains and 
scourges most dire may eat away human life. 

El. Hush, hush, father ! ! the God of Israel will not suffer 
such as us to be thus tortured and murdered. 

Jacob. Ah, sweet one, we may not divine the ways of God. 
Our devoted people have suffered in every land, and what suffering 
may be in store for us we cannot tell. 

El. [ Clinging to him.~\ Father ! Father ! you do not tell me 
all. You have some cause of fear of which I know not. O hide 
nothing from me. What is it ? What have you discovered ? 

Jacob. Blessed child, do not be alarmed. I may be over-sus- 
picious. Go to your rest, and sleep away your fears. If there is 
danger, we may be able to avoid it. I have good friends in Hei- 
delberg, and they will help me if I need help, [She is about to 



Scene I.] the Jewess op heidelberg. '21 

speak, but Jacob puts his hand before her mouth.] Say no more 
to-night, dearest. I have business on my hands which must be 
attended to before I retire. When the danger comes, be assured 
you shall know it. God bless you, my child ! There — now go. — 
[Eleanor exeunt mournfully, r. d.] Poor child ! she does not yet 
know the full meaning of the cloud that rests over this land. She 
does not know what a curse my wealth of gold may prove ; nor 
does she dream what a curse her own wealth of beauty may prove 
to her ! [Sinks on a chair by the table.'] I will hope for the best; 
and yet I will be prepared for the worst. I know that the eyes of the 
familiars are upon me ; and I believe that the Margrave is leagued 
with the inquisition But I will avoid the shaft if I can. If I am 
arrested, my doom is certain. The demons will not allow so much 
wealth to slip through their fingers when so simple and frail a thing 
as my life stands in the way of the possession. But there is such 
a thing as disappointment in this world ; and, even they may fail 
in their scheme of plunder. [ Takes bags out of the trunk and 
places them on the table.] Poor, worthless baubles! What the 
apple was to our first mother, thou hast been to all generations ! — 
And the end is not yet. More blood must flow ; more human 
hearts must be crashed ; aye, and even empires must be overrun 
by the sordid avarice which thou canst tempt into the souls of 
men ! But, thanks be to the God of my fathers, I think thou hast 
led me into no grievous sin, though thou mayest have led me into 
mortal danger ! [Rising.] I must put away these harrowing 
thoughts. [Goes to the lamp and makes the light quite small — 
stage dark.] If I can but sleep a few more nights in safety be. 
neath this roof, all may be well. God help me to escape mine en- 
emies. [Goes slowly to the d. f, but suddenly stopis.] I must 
not go quite yet. We know not what the morrow may bring forth. 
It is a dark cloud that overshadows me, and God alone knows when 
the storm may break, I will make more secure my important 



22 THB JEWE38 OV HEIDELBERG. [Ac» II. 

papers before I rest. [Replaces the bag sand papers in the trunk. 
— and then drags the trunk l. 2 e. — Walter and three familiars 
enter d. f. on tip-toe — re-enter Jacob L. 2 e. — pale, and goes 
slowly to d. f But is surprised and draws back- — Music. Cord.'] 

What means this ! Who are ye? 

Wal. We are friends to the just, and enemies to the unjust. 

Jacob. And how gained ye admission here ? 

Wal. Bolts and bars are nothing to us, for all places in Hei- 
delberg are open to us. Jacob Olsheim, you are summoned to ap- 
pear before a tribunal where justice sits enthroned over the inter- 
ests of earth and Heaven. Are you prepared ? 

Jacob. [Trembling^] In mercy's name, sir, spare me until the 

morrow ! 

Wal. We obey our master. 

Jacob. But you will not take me away now ! 

Wal. That is what we mean to do. [ They seize Jacob y &c. 
Picture, scene closed in.'] 

Scene II. — A street. 
Sinter Anselmo, l. 

Ans. Thank Heaven I have reached so for. [falls exhausted, c] 
! ye Gods, how long will I live in this style. [Looking at his 
dress.] this dress — hungry — and no money, No matter that! 
but as I passed yonder street, I have seen Jacob Olsheim.. my poor 
friend Jacob, thrown into prison just where I escaped from! To- 
morrow I was to be brought before the Chief Demon — the Conrad, 
Ha, ha ! but he will be greatly mistaken ! [rising.] I am hungry : 
now for Bread, Bread ! [Exeunt, r.] 

Scene HI. — Prison — a door, r., on which is painted a large Red 
Cross — Jacob Olsheim is discovered lying chained to a pole, 
on some straw, c. 
Jacob. Alas ! this is the end for me ! I need no prophet to 

open to me the dreadful secret of this place. Had I been less 



Scene III.] the Jewess of heidelberg. 23 

thoughtful of my gold, I might have saved myself. But it is too 
late now. Oh ! my child ! my child ! What shall become of thee ? 
But I hope that the God of my Fathers may have pity on thee ! 
[Bell tolls three.] It is three o'clock, and I am a prisoner in this 
lonely cell; and in the hands of Conrad of Marburg and Berthold 
the Margrave of Baden ! [Kneels.] Father that is in Heaven, 
have pity on me ! King ! Maker ! and God do have pity on me 
and on my child, for my poor child's sake. [Buries his face in his 
hands and weeps.] 
Enter Walter and ho o familiars, r, d., one carrying a torch. 
Wal. [unbinds Jacob.] Jacob Olsheim, you will come with 
us, and you will ask no questions. [ They lift Jacob up who leans- 
on them, and all exeuent, r. d.] 

Scene IV. — Plain Chamber. 

Enter Hector, l. 

Hec. [ Thoughtfully.] What, Jacob Olsheim, the rich Jew — 
my old and kind friend, is in the hands of Conrad and Berthold — 
then he is a dead man. They will slay him; not because he is a 
Jew, but because he is rich and wealthy. I would like to save him, 
but as I cannot, I will try and save his daughter ! [exit r.] 

Scene V. — Chambers of the Inquisition — Four Familiars, r. — 

Armed with spears — Berthold the Mangrave is discovered 
sealed on a Throne, v. c. — three soldiers ars standing each 
side of him — Four Familiars, l. armed with spears — they 
leave a space between them so as to leave people pass in and 
out — Conrad of Marburg is discovered stated in front of a 
familiar, r. 4, e. — two Familiars are discovered seated at a 
table, c. writing — Jacob Olsheim is also discovered standing 
looking pale, <ke., l. 

Stage gradually dark. 



24 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT II 

Con. Jacob Olshcim, do you know where yon are ? 

Jabob. I think I do. 

Con. And whither does your thought lead you? 

Jacob. To the Inquisition. 

Con. You have rightly judged. You are in the torture-cham- 
ber of the Holy Office, and you will be wise if you answer such 
questions as may be asked, with truth and promptness. First, I 
will ask you — what is your religious faith ? 

Jacob. I am a Jew. 

Con. Have you ever bowed to the Cross of Christ? 
Jacob. I have never worshipped Jesus of Nazareth, though I 
have 

Con. Hold ! You will answer without explanation. If you 
are a Jew, and have never worshipped at the foot of the cross, then 
your influence has been against God's holy church. 

Jacob. Not so. No man in the Empire has done more to- 
wards helping the soldiers of the cross against the Saracen than 1 
have done. My gold helped Henry with his armament; and Fred- 
eric owed much of his success to my aid. 

Con. And what was your aim in this? 

Jacob. I have never demanded unjust usury. 

Con. What care we for' your usury. You had a deeper 
scheme than that. We verily believe that it has been your earnes^ 
desire to see the Saracen swept from the Holy Land ; but the end 
yoxi had in view was not a righteous one. You did not mean that 
the cross of Christ should be established in Palestine. You had 
planned that the Saracen should be swept away, and then you 
hoped that the Jews, gathering from all quarters of the world, 
might, in time, sweep away the remnant of the Christian army 
and thus possess themselves of the land from which an outraged 
God had driven them. Am I not right ? 

Jacob. No, no. Such a thought never entered my head. 



ScENB V.] THB JEWESS OF HEIDELBERO. 26 

Con. Beware, Jacob Olsheim ! Falsehood cannot serve you. 
Answer me truly : is there not to-day in Germany, a secret society 
of Jews, pledged to the accomplishment of this purpose ? 

Jacob. What purpose? 

Con. The purpose of establishing the Israelitish power once 
more in the Holy Land. 

Jacob. No, no. I know there is no such society. 

Con. How do you know ? 

Jabob. I know that the Jews have no design to possess them- 
selves of the old heritage by force. 

Con. And you think they have no hopes of ever regaining the 
Kingdom which their fathers lost. 

Jacob. I will not speak a falsehood. The scattered tribes of 
Israel do hope that in time to come, God will raise up a Prince 
under whose reign the glory of David's Kingdom shall be restored. 

Con. Aye, and people who cherish such hopes will naturally 
bend their energies towards realizing them. And now sir, who is 
at the head of this Society of Jews in Baden ? 

Jacob. I know of no such society. 

Con. Where are the meetings held in Heidelberg? 

Jacob. I know of no meetings of the kind. 

Con. Jacob Olsheim, there is such a society in existence, the 
aim of which is to return the Holy Land to the darkness of Juda- 
ism; and that society has a branch in Baden; and we are further- 
more persuaded that no Jew has been left in ignorance thereof. — 
Once more I ask you " who is at the head of this society in Baden ? 

Jacob. As God is my judge, I know nothing of it. 

Con. Know ye, vile Jew, that God doth not always judge men 
by his own direct power. He hath appointed his ministers of jus- 
tice, and to them must your appeal be made. That which the 
junnerwill not confess willingly, may be drawn from him by oth«r 
means. [ Claps with his hands onc/s. Bell tolls one.] 



26 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT II. 

Enter Walter and 1 Familiar, l. — they seize Jacob. 
Jacob Olsheim, you have one more opportunity to speak of your 
own free will. What know you of the society of which I have 
spoken ? 

Jacob. I know nothing. [Bell tolls two. Walter and the 
Familiar seise and drag Jacob to the l. e.] 

Con. [Looking to the left.] You have my question, and you 
can answer when yon please, [the noise of rattling with chains 
is heard, l.] 

Jacob. [Groaning without, l.] I know nothing. I know 
nothing.] 

Wal. [without] He has fainted. 

Ber. Be careful ! He must not die yet. We must know 
where his wealth is stored. 

•. Con. Fear not. He has not approached the gates of death. 
We will give him back his senses, and try a new motive, [raises 
from his seat and goes to the l. looking in.] Walter, unloosen 
those chains a little, [a pause. The noise of chains is heard 
again.'] Jacob Olsheim, the place where you now rest will be 
your place of death if you do not answer me promptly and truly. 
You have much wealth ? 

Jacob. [Faintly.] Yes. 

Con. Before we proceed to more important subjects we would 
know where your wealth is to be found. Will you tell us? [A 
pause.] Jaeob Olsheim, where is your gold ? 

Jacob. It is where I hope you may never find it. 

Con. Fool ! Will you sacrifice your life to save your gold ? 
[the noise is heard again.] Where is your gold ? [a groan is 
heard.] Will you not answer ? [ The noise of chains is still 
toard.] Will you answer now ? [stamping his foot.] 

Ber. [starting forward.] Hold ! hold ! The man must not be 
killed yet! 



Scene VI.] the jewesr of heidelbero. 27 

Wal. [without, L.] I fear you are too late! that sign is fatal. 

Con. He was weaker than I had thought. Ease down the 
pulleys quickly, and let us see if there is any life left, [both he and 
Berthold exit in a hurry. Scene closed in.l 

Scene VI. — A Plain Room — a table and two chairs carried in 

by the servant — wine and tumblers are on table. 
Enter Conrad of Marburg and Berthold the Mangrave. l. 

Con. I am sorry that the Jew dropped off so quickly, [both 
take seats.'] 

Ber. So am I. But we may have lost nothing. A careful 
BearcA of the old heretic's house may reveal to us his wealth, [both 
drink.] 

Con. We may make another arrest first. The old man ha6 
left a daughter behind him. 

Bar. Aye! and by Saint Paul, she is the most beautiful dam- 
sel in all Baden. In this case, Conrad, you must allow me to 
make division of the spoils. You may set your own price upon 
the maiden, but you must give her up to me. 

Con, Ah, my lord, [laughing t\ have you found another heart- 
prize ? 

Ber. Yes, — -I freely confess it. I saw the Jewess not long 
since, and I swear to you, she is past all power of mine to fittingly 
describe. She must be mine. Do not say me nay. 

Con. Indeed, my prince, if you Want the damsel you may 
have her; but you had better let my familiars arrest her. Let her 
be brought hither and questioned, and she shall then be delivered 
over to you. 

Ber. And what will you gain from her by questioning? 

Con. Something, perhaps, concerning her father's wealthy 
These old Jews are notorious for craftily concealing their gold. Do 
you remember David, the usurer ? I am convinced that we did not 
find a third part of his hidden sto«-e. 



28 rsx jbwsss of hiidhlbkrg. [Act II. 

Ber. It may be as you say, but the girl must not be put to tbo 
torture. By the mass, J would not have her sweet form distorted 
for all the gold her father ever owned. Will you promise me 
this? 

Con. It shall be as you wish, my lord. If you have set your 
heart upon the possession of the beautiful Jewess, she shall be 
yours, and no touch of our executioners shalljmar her loveliness of 
form or feature. 

Ber. Then let her be brought hither at once. You shall ques- 
tion her to-day, and to-night, under cover of the darkness I will 
bear her to my castle. Shall it be so ? 

Con. Yes. 

Ber. And you will send true and trusty men ? 

Con. I have none others. 

Ber. I mean men who will not make too free with the maiden J 
for, as true as I live, she hath gained entire possession of my heart. 
[both drink and rise.] 

Con. Fear not my lord. My familiars will watch each other 
so your sweet prize will be safe. But, after all. it may puzzle you 
to tame her, These Jewish daughters are not easily won by such 
as us. 

Ber. Leave that to me. She may choose as she pleases — there 
are other persuasive racks beside those in your torture-chamber ! 

Con. Now, my good Prince, we will send for the beautiful 
Jewess, [both exit, l,] 

Scknk VII. — Martin Wilsdorfs Apartments — Sir Martin Wils- 
dorf discovered shutting the door, f. as scene opens. 
Mar. My pupils have gone, and — [a knock, d. f.] Ah! some.. 

body knocking; come in. 

Enter Victor of Antioch. 
Vic. Are you alone ? 



SOBNK VII. J THE JKWK3S OF HBIDELBKRO. It 

Mar. Aye, my brother ; ouly Bardolf and myself are here. 

Vic. This is a late visit, but a matter of business demands our 
attention. I trust you are ready for work. 

Mar For any good work I am always ready. 

Vic. And be assured, that I shall never call upon you for any 
other. You know Jacob Olsheim, the rich Jew ? 

Mar. I have seen him. 

Vic. Do you know his dwelling place ? 

Mar. Yes. 

Vic, The Jew is, of course, not a member of our brotherhood ; 
but he is nevertheless a valuable fiiend, and we owe him much 
not only so, but we may need his assistance in the time to come 
Nor is this all. Olsheim is not a marked victim of the inquisition. 
Conrad of Marburg and the Margrave of Baden have their eye* 
upon his great wealth ; and we have reason to believe that they 
will endeavor soon to arrest him. He must be saved, and to you 
the task is given. Will you accept it ? 

Mar. Aye, right gladly. Jacob Olsheim was a true friend to 
my father. I remember once that he lent him two thousand dou- 
ble ducats of gold, and the only security which he demanded wa» 
my father's pledge of honor. 

Vic. Such is the character of the man. And we must save 
him. You can go to his dwelling early in the morning and bring 
him hither ; and beyond that we can keep him as may seem best. 
He has a daughter, I am told, and she too, must be saved. Let 
her accompany her father. Baldwin of Tyre and myself start for 
Mannheim within an hour, and we shall not return until to-morrow 
evening. 

Mar. You are sure that the demons intend to arrest the Jew? 

Vic. Yes. We have a brother within the walls of the inqui- 
sition, and he has brought to me the intelligence that Olsheim's 
name is upon their fatal list. Remember, Wilsdorf, the man of 



30 THE JEWESS OF nEIDELBERQ. [ACT II 

■wealth who once passes the threshold of the Holy Office, never 
■comes forth alive. 

Mar. Might it not be better to bring the Jew hither this very. 
night ? 

Vic. I think not. The familiars of the inquisition are abroad 
bv night, and they might detect the movement. It is now near 
midnight, and the Jew could not be aroused without some disturb- 
ance, as the outer gate is kept firmly locked. There can be no 
danger attending the task, unless, indeed, the daughter should prove 
to be young and beautiful. 

Mar. I have little to fear from the beauty of a Jewess. 

Vic. I don't know about that. I have heard that this Jewess 
is both young and lovely; and if such is the fact, I should judge 
from what 1 know of her father, that she would be pure-minded 
and modest, possessing all those virtues which go to make up the 
perfect woman. But perhaps you already have a fair lady-love, 

Mar. No, my brother ; lam not so encumbered; nor am I 
anxious to venture upon the erotic sea at present. I can save both 
the Jew and his daughter without heart dauger to myself. 

Vic. Then be at work early in the morning, for Jacob is not 
apt to oversleep himself if he is at all like others of his people 
whom I have known, [exit d. f.] 

Mar. [ Goes to door.'] Yes, my brother, I will be there early 
to-morrow, without fail. [Scene closed in.~] 

Scene VIII, — A Street in Heidelberg. 
Enter Sir Martin Wilsdorf, r., and Hector, l., meeting. 
Mar. Who art thou ? 
Hec. Who art thou ? 

Mar. I am going on honest business. Can you say the same ? 

Hep. 1 can say more than that, I have come through a most 

.perilous way to reach this street. Can you say the same.? [Hector 



ScBNE VIII.] THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. 31 

makes the sign of a cross on his breast — Martin sees it and does 
the same.] Ah ! You are from Antioch? 

Afar, From Tyre! 

Hec. Your name? 

Mar. Henry. 

Hec. Is it true? 

Mar. Satisfy yourself 

Hec. The Son of God wore a cross. 

Mar. So do I. 

Hec. That cross was of wood. 

Mar. Mine is of Steel. 

Hec. So is mine, [shaking hands together.] And we are 
brothers well met. Now, whence come you and what is your bus- 
iness ? 

Mar. I come from Victor of Antioch, and my business is t<* 
save the Jew and his daughter. 

Hec. You are too late to save the Jew. He is past all human 
help. 

Mar. Ha ! Victor told me that we had a brother within the 
walls, 

Hec. Enough ! I am the man, and it was I who bore the in- 
telligence of the Jew's danger to him of Antioch. But the famil- 
iars have been before you. I did not give the notice soon enough. 
Olsheim was taken hence last night. 

Mar. And where is he now ? 
Hec. Dead. 
Mar. Ha ! 

Hec. But it is not too late to save the child. I had come for 
the purpose of warning her away ; but you can do more. You 
can do both — warn her and give her safe conduct; only, my bro- 
ther, you must make haste. The order has been already issued 



32 THE JEWESS OV HEIDELBERG. [Ad If 

for her arrest, and the familiars may soon be here. I think you 
know your duty if you meet them. 

Mar. My duty is to obey the orders of my chief. 

Hec. At all hazards ! 
■ Mar. I understand you. 

Hec. Then hasten on. Know that Jacob Olsheim died upon 
the rack this very morning; and the daughter, if she is arrested, 
is doomed to a worse fate. 

Mar. A worse ? 

Hec. Aye. She has to live! 

Mar. What ! Live ! Ah, I understand all. [both shake hands 
iogether.'] Once more, my brother, I swear I will try and save 
her. So farewell, [exeunt Martin l. and Hector r.] 

Scene IX. — Jacob Olsiieim's apartments. 

{See Scene I. in Act II.) 

Calypso discovered seated c. 

Enter Wilsdorf d. f. 

Mar. My good woman, time is precious. I am a friend to br 

trusted. If your master is not in I must see your mistress. Stop 

not to question me, but go instantly and arouse the lady. [Exit 
Oalypso r. d.] 

Enter Eleanor r. d. 

El. Did you wish to see me, sir ? 

Mar. Are you the daughter of Jacob Olsheim ? 

El. I am, sir. 

Mar. Lady, time is precious, and I must speak briefly and to 
the point. I am not used to wandering around a subject when I 
find a strange path leading directly to it. Do you know where 
your father is ? 

El. Do you know where he is ? [Martin hesitates.] Re- 
member, sir, you said you would speak plainly. 0, 1 see it in your 
face! Some evil hath befallen him ! 



Scene IX.] the Jewess of heidelbero. 33 

Mar. Yes, lady. And the same evil which hath befallen him 
will surely befall you if you remain longer beneath this roof. — 
Listen to me, and I will tell you the whole truth. [Eleanor takes 
a seat.] You have true friends in Heidelberg. Last night I was 
waited upon by one of those friends, and by him instructed to 
come hither this morning and lead Jacob Olsheim and his daugh- 
ter hence to a place of safety, for it was known that a great evi] 
threatened him. 

El. And that evil was from the dreadful Inquisition ? 

Mar. You are right, lady. 

El. [S he weeps, <icc.~\ 0! I feared it! My father feared it ! 
God have mercy on us ! 

Mar. Gentle lady, you know not what pain it gives me to pro- 
ceed; but you must know the worst. 

El. Noble sir, I pray you conceal nothing. Let me know all. 

Mar. This morning, I came here as directed, and as I entered 
the court, I was accosted by a stranger, whom I afterwards found 
to be a brother. He had come with a message to you — to warn 
you to flee instantly from this house. ' Your father was arrested by 
the familiars of the Inquisition last night. And an order has been 
issued for your arrest. 

El. [Rising.'] Kind sir, you are my friend. 

Mar. Yes, lady ; asfi I have good reason for it. Your father 
was one of the truest friends my father ever had. Did you ever 
hear the name of Joseph Wilsdorf ? 

El. Yes, sir — a brave Christian Knight, whom my father 
^equipped for battle. 

Mar. The same, lady ; and I am the son of that Joseph Wils- 
dorf; and I, too, am a Christiau Knight; my name is Martin. I 
think you will trust me. 

El. Yes, yes, — and you will tell me the truth. My father i* 



34 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Acrll. 

doomed to die ? '[Martin is silent and tears start in his eyes.] — 
My father is dead ! 

Mar. He is dead! 

El. [Clasping her hands together in agony .] Then — then, 
let me go and die with him ! 

Mar. Alas, gentle lady, that may not he. Your father died, 
not because he was a Jew, hut because he was wealthy. If the fair 
daughter falls into those fatal hands, she will not suffer as her father 
suffered. 

El. Why should they spare me ? 

Mar. They would spare you for a fate far worse ! 

El. Worse ! 

Mar. Yes — a thousand times. 0, sweet lady, you must linger 
here no longer. The messenger who told me of your father's 
death, knew what would be your fate. Shall I translate his mean- 
ing for your ears? 

El. Tell me the truth. 

Mar. I think the castle of Heidelberg is meant for the scene 
of your torture ! 

El. Merciful God ! 

Mar. Berthold of Baden is a villian of the darkest dye. 
Enter 2 Familiars, d. f. — They stand there. 

And he rules with Conrad of Marburg over the iniquities of the. 
Inquisition. [He is surprised at seeing the familiars.'] Ha ! 
Whom have w r e here ? By the Holy Cross, they are upon us ! 

El. ! kind sir, in God's name, save me ! 

Mar. While I live you are safe. These men shall not harm 
you. 

1st Earn. Wc seek the Jewess Eleanor, daughter of Jacob 
Olsheira. 

Mar. The lady is hero, and I am here to answer tor her. 

1st Fom. You will answer when you are called upon. And 



SCENE IX.] THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. 35 

that may be much sooner than you expect. I know you sir, and 
if I once whisper your name within the walls of our office, Martin 
Wilsdorf will have need of more help than yonder Jewess is likely 
at present to find ! Stand aside, and let the daughter of Olsheim 
speak for herself. 

Mar. One moment, sirs, if you please, before you proceed fur- 
ther, let me enlighten you. I am this lady's guardian, and I shall 
defend her with my life. 

1st Fam. Do you know who we are? 

Mar. I think I do. 

1st Fam. Do you know the nature of our office ? 

Mar. Unless I am greatly mistaken, you are familiars of the 
Inquisition. 

1st Fam. You are right. We are from the Holy Office, and 
we come hither with authority. We will not arrest you now, but 
if you are wise you will take yourself out of our way as quickly 
as pos ible. 

Mar. Gentlemen, you do not understand me, it is you who had 
better take yourselves off, for by the powers of Heaven I swear, 
you shall not lay a hand on this lady, [the familiars start.] 
Hold, let me finish, for I would have you know the grounds of my 
action. The lady's father is dead. — 

1st Fam. Ha! How know you that? 

Mar. I know it by the astonishment you now express. You 
are not good at keeping secrets ! And now let me tell you one 
thing more : If this fair lady is taken to your black-hearted mas- 
ter, her fate will be worse than has been her father's. [The famil- 
iars converse together and then loth draio their swords.] 

1st Fam. Martin Wilsdorf, your execution will come first and 
your trial afterwards. This is the fate of those who dare to oppose 
the holy authority of the inquisition ! [Martin also draws his 
sword.] 



36 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT II 

El. [catching Martin by the arm.] No, no ! — not for me ! 

Mar. Hush, lady, you had far better die where you stand than 
fall into the hands of these men. Remember my oath ! [he push- 
es Eleanor away, who fulls on a seat and covers her face with 
her hands and weeps. Now you can attack me if you dare ; for 
you touch not that lady while I stand here. I know you well, and 
before God I feel assured that the just spirits of Heaven would ap- 
prove the stroke that reached your dastard hearts. You are not 
officers of a proper court — you are not ministers of any Christian 
law, but you are attendant demons upon a foul institution, whose 
only office is murder and robbery ! In all the broad spread of 
heathen lands, there is nothing so wicked as is your deadly inqui- 
sition; and among all the tyrants of the earth the eye of the aven- 
ging angel rests not upon one so deeply steeped in bloody guilt as 
is your chief! Now we know each other, and you may under- 
stand how fearlessly I will raise my hand against you ! [Alarums 
— they fight — both familiars fall.] Come, ^ there must be no mo- 
ment lost. This roof can no longer give you safe shelter ! 

El. Where are those dark men ? I heard a fall — a groan — 
Oh—. 

Mar. Look not that way, lady ; look upon me and come. 

El. Are they both dead ? 

Mar. They are both beyond the power of doing you harm ; 
but there are others where they came from, and some of these 
others may soon be here. Collect what you wish to take with you 
as speedily as possible. 

El. Calypso must go with me, kind sir. 

Mar. Do you speak of the old domestic I saw when I came 
in? 

El. Yes. 

Mar. She may go with us, but bid her move quickly, [exit El- 
eanor, r. d. — he gazes on the bodies of the familiars^ I know 



Scene XL] the jewels of heidelberg. $7 

not whether I ought to be sorry for this or not. Still, I did what 
I was forced to do. And, by Saint Paul, I'd sooner dip ray sword 
in the blood of the whole army of inquisitors and familiars than 
that mortal harm should come through them to this lovely maid. 
Well shall it be for Germany when the demons are all swept 
away. 

He-enter Eleanor and Calypso, r. d., closely veiled. 
Are you ready ? 

HI. I am. [Music — all exeuent, d. f. 

Scene X. — A Street in Heidelberg. 
Music — Enter Sir Martin Wilsdorf, Eleanor aud Calypso in 
a hurry, l. 
Mar. Yonder house, dear lady, is my dwelling, and I hope it 
will be a place where you can stay and escape danger for the pres- 
ent. [All exit, r.] 

Scene XI. — Martin Wilsdorf s Apartments. 
Enter Wilsdorf, Eleanor and Calypso, d. f. 

Mar. [taking Eleanor's hand.] Lady, I know how sad and 
heavy is the blow which has fallen upon you, and I know how 
your orphaned spirit must grieve ; but let me hope that you will 
find some slight consolation in the fact of your own salvation from 
a dreadful doom, and that the knowledge that you have good and 
true friends may cause you to feel some slight disposition to raise 
the heart in gratitude to the Father of mercies. For the present 
you will be safe here, and I beg that you will make known your 
every wish. You have but to command me while you are under 
my protection. 

El. And shall I have to leave you ? 

Mar. My first and highest aim, dear lady, is your safety ; and, 
be it here, or be it elsewhere, my interest in your welfare shall not 
cease. Ah ! here comes my good Katrina. 



38 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Ad II. 

Enter Katrina, r. 
Go with her, and she will provide for you. [exit all r. except 
Martin.] 

Enter Bardolf Eberswald, r. 

Bard. I am indeed glad, Sir Martin, that you have safely re- 
turned and brought the Jewess with you. But why is her father 
not here ? 

Mar. Her father, poor man, is already dead ; the familiars of 
the inquisition arrested him last night. But, I tell you, Bardolf, I 
had quite a trouble in getting his daughter here. I have killed two 
familiars! 

Bard. How was that? 

Mar. [takes a seati\ When I left here this morning, I was 
met by a stranger — who afterwards proved to be a brother, and h<; 
informed me of the death of Jacob Olsheim, and that an order 
had been issued for the arrest of his daughter. What do you think 
her fate would be ? 

Bard. I suppose the same as was her fathers. 

Mar. Worse ! 

Bard. What! worse! how can that be? [Martin whispers 
in his ear.] Mercy ! But how came you to kill the familiars ? 

Mar. As I was speaking to the Jewess, the two familiars made 
their appearance and demanded her. But I did not let them have 
her, so they drew their swords and wanted to take us both. But 
I made quick work with them ! 

Bard. 1 hope you were not observed ! What would your life 
be worth ? 

Mar. It would be worth but little, I confess, should I fall into 
the clutches of the inquisition ; but I do not mean that shall b3 
the case ; And now Bardolf you must go into the street in which 
stands the Jew's house, and observe what happens, You know 
what I want, [exit, r.] 



Scene XII.] the jewess of heidelberg. 39 

Bard. ! yes, my master, I understand you well enough. 

[Exit D. F.] 

Scene XII. — A Street in Heidelberg. 

Enter Bardolf Ederswald, r. 

Bard. Just yonder is the house, — to-day I must keep my eyes 

and ears open, for my good master will like to hear of something 

new. Why, as I live, some body is down there. But I will see 

what he is doing there. [Exit l.] 

Scene XIII. — A Plain Chamber. Berthold discovered ivalk- 
ing to and fro. 

Enter Conrad of Marburg, r. 

Ber. How now, Conrad, — have those familiars returned ? 

Con. No, my lord; and I am at a loss to account for their de- 
lay. 

Ber. It must be that the girl has fled. By heaven, I'd rather 
lose half my dominions than lose her. She must be mine. I have 
set all my hopes upon the possession. Good Conrad, let other 
messengers be sent. Gain her for me, and you may claim all her 
dead father's gold. 

Con. You shall have her, my lord. I'll send other officers di- 
rectly- [Calling.^ Walter. 

Enter Walter, r. 
You must immediately go to the Jews house, and see what is the 
matter with our two familiars. And also bring the Jews daughter 
with you. Be quick, and return as soon as possible. [Walter 
exit r. — both he and Berthold converse together.~\ 
Enter Therwald, r. 

Ther. \to Conrad.] Auselmo cannot be found. 

Con. How far have you been. 

Ther. As far as Ulm. 

Con. Well, you take a few men with you, and go to Mannheim, 



40 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT II. 

and if you can't find him, return and I will give you further in- 
structions. [Therwald exit r. — they converse together .] 

Reenter Walter, R.,pale. 
How is it, Walter. Where are the others ? 

Wal. [Crossing himself.] God save us, my master ! 

Ber. Speak out. This matter is no secret from me. 

Con. Speak. 

Wal. Satan is let loose ! We went to the house of the Jew, 
and we found oio living thing within its walls; but we found our 
two .brothers cold and dead ! 

Ber. How! deadS 

Wal. Yes, even so ! 

Ber. And in the Jew's house? 

Wal. Yes. One of them had his -head split open and <the 
-other had been stabbed to the heart. The work must have been 
done by a strong arm. 

Ber. Aye, and the arm must have been guided by one well 
use to handling the sword. Good Heavens, Conrad, what shall we 
do? 

Con. Walter, do you mean that both the familiars have been 
murdered ? 

Wal. Yes. 

Con. Did you learn anything further ? 

Wal. No. We chose not to make inquiries of outsiders. 

Con. [to Berthold.'] Then first we will go with a trusty force 
and search the old Jew's house. We can find his gold, and we 
may find some clue to this fearful mystery. 

Ber. But the girl. What of her ? Remember there is more 
than the old man's gold to be found. 

Con. She shall be searched for, my lord ; and she shall be 
found too. And when we have found her, we will find who did 
t his deed of blood. Pear not ; for I swear to jou that not in all 



Scene XV.] thb jewess op heidelbero. 41 

Baden can my once marked victim be hidden from me. You shall 
have the lovely Jewess, and I will have the man or the men whose 
hands have shed this blood ! [all exeuent, r] 

Scene XIV. — A Street in Heidelberg. 
Flourish of Trumpets and Drums — Enter Conrad of Marburg, 
Berthold, Walter, hvo Soldiers and four Familiars, r. all 
go across the stage and exit, L. 

Scene XV. — Jacob OlsheiwSs Apartments. 

The two familiars are discovered lying on the floor — as dead. 

Enter Conrad, Berthold Walter, two Soldiers and 

four familiars, d. f. 

Ber. Ah ! There they are ! 

Con. [Both he and Berthold examine the bodies.] The first 
thing to do is to lay aside these corses, and the next will be to clean 
the house of its wealth. This matter shall be attended to in due 
time. Now my men, to work! and let us raze this house to the 
ground. [He sends the familiars in different directions — the two 
soldiers carry the bodies through d. f. Walter looks all over the 
stage and overturns everything — he exits, R. d. Conrad and Ber- 
thold converse together — the noise of breaking of boxes is heard 
from all parts of the stage — the noise suddenly stops — Re-enter 
four familiars, the two soldiers and Walter, bringing a small box] 

Wal. [to Conrad.] Here my master, is a box I have found. 

Con. [taking the box.] So, so, Jacob, you did not think that 
I was so smart as to find your gold ! [opens the box and counts.] 
Only one thousand ducats ? Holy Saint Peter ! We cannot have 
been so deceived. The wretch had more wealth. This paltry 
sum could not purchase a single one of the rare gems I have seen 
him wear upon his finger. 

Ber. Down with the building ! and thus the workmen may 



42 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT III. 

brino- the hidden store to light. \_he sends the soldiers, r. d. and 
Conrad sends the familiars in different parts — A Red flame is 
seen in r. d. leading to the chamber, Walter rushes outJ] Ah ! 
The house is burning! [both he and Conrad rush out, d. f. — the 
interior of the house falls and is on fire — Picture.] 

CURTAIN. END OF ACT II. 



ACT III. 

Scene I. — Martin Wilsdorfs Apartments. 

Eleanor is discovered sitting on a chair. 

Enter Bardolf Eberswald, d. f. 

El. Good Bardolf, you have just come from my home ? 

Enter Sir Martin Wilsdorf, r. 

You will please let me hear what Bardolf has to say, you will, will 

you not? 

Mar. 0, yes, sweet lady. Now Bardolf, tell us what you 

have seen and heard. 

Bard. Alter I left here I came to your father's house, and then 
T went into the garden and seated myself behind a bush, where I 
could easily see and hear what was going on. I did not wait long 
when two familiars came and went into the house — and by the 
way they were speaking ; they were greatly surprised in finding two 
of their companions dead. They searched the house and then 
went away. In a short time afterwards those two returned with 
Conrad and Berthold, and with many of their attendants. I heard 
the chief demon swear that he must have you, aud he must have 
the man or the men who killed those two familiars ; and they all 
commenced to break up the chests and doors, and in fact every- 
thing that they could get a hold of. 



Scene 1.] the Jewess of heidelberg. 43 

Mar. Ah, they were after their victim's gold. 

Bard. Certainly. But I don't believe they found much of it. 
At all events, they came forth in auything but a satisfied mood, 
aud I am sure tbat I heard both Conrad and Berthold curse and 
swear most profanely. 

Mar. [to Eleanor.] Lady, what think you, did your father 
have much wealth in his house ? 

El. I think he did sir, but I doubt if those men were able to 
find it. They may have found some gold, but my father's chief 
wealth was not in that cumbersome shape. 

Bard. Yes, I think they found something of value, for 1 no- 
ticed a man carry a small box with him. But the place is deso- 
late enough now ; after they had searched for the gold, a demon 
crew came and razed the house to the ground, so that now there is 
not left a stick nor a stone above the foundation. But, my master, 
this is not all; the spies of the inquisition are posted in every 
quarter of the city, and the avenues of egress are all guarded. 
The Margrave's soldiers guard the gates while the spies prowl 

through the streets. 

El. [trembling.'] Does that mean me ? 

Bard. Yes, lady. They are all well satisfied that they have 
not found the bulk of your fathei's wealth, and they think if they 
can but get the daughter into their power, the secret may be open- 
ed to them. But that is not the worst. Ah, no ! let me assure 

you that your father's gold is not all! 
Mar. How know you this ? 
Bard. I'll tell you bye and bye. 

Mar. [to Eleanor.] Dear lady, you are safe here for the pres- 
ent, so let not this account give you new trouble. Before I retire 
I will take measures to satisfy myself as to whether any suspicion 
turns this way. Go now and make yourself as comfortable as pos- 
sible, and believe that you have friends who will allow no further 
harm to befall you if it is in their power to prevent. 



44 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Ac I III. 

El. Indeed sir, you are very kind, and I hope Heaven will re- 
ward you. 

Mar. [taking her hand.] Heaven can give me no greater 
reward than your gratitude. You would hardly feel safe beneath 
the protection of one who expected reward for those services which 
the true knight ever renders to suffering humanity, in simple obe- 
dience to the call of duty. The reward which I claim lady, is the 
approval of my own conscience; but I cannot hide from you that 
your sweet gratitude will give me much joy ; and I could know 
that I was remembered in the prayers of one so pure and good, the 
reflection would be grateful beyond measure. 

El. Ah, kind sir, you forgot that I am a Jewess. What can 
the Christian need of prayers to the God of the Jews ? 

Mar. It is you who forget. The God of Abraham, Isaac and 
Jacob — the God who led his chosen people Israel out from bondage 
— is the God I worship. He is to me as he is to you, the one 
Living and True God. Am I not right ? 

El. Yes, kind sir. 

Mar. Then pray for me ; and if the thought shonld force it- 
self upon you that the Jews have no part with Christians, remem- 
ber that the demons against whom my hand is now turned in your 
behalf, call themselves Christians. The Great Teacher whose les- 
sons of life I would be glad to follow, has told us: Blessed are the 
pure in heart, for they shall see God. And it is not for me, lady, 
to say that the sons and daughters of the people whom God once 
loved, may not even now, enjoy the warm bright smiles of Heaven, 
if they are pure in heart. 

El. When I pray, I shall not forget you. [exit, R.] 
Bard. Now, my master — . 

Mar. Yes, yes, Bardolf, you were saying that you knew more 
than you had told. 



Scene I.] the Jewess of iieidelberg. 45- 

Bard. More than I could speak in the hearing of the lady. On 
my way from the scene of the ruin, I was overtaken by a man who 
proved himself to be a Brother. He said he saw you this morn- 
ing. Do you remember him ? 

Mar, Aye, very well. 

Bard. He told me that strict search was being made for the 
daughter of Jacob Olsheim, and that the city would be searched 
from end to end. They did not find much money in the old Jew's 
house, and they think the daughter can tell where to look. But 
this is not all. The wicked Margrave has an interest in the matter. 

Mar. I understand. O, I know the disposition of that titled 

wretch, but he cannot succeed, I will defend the maiden with my 

life. They may [A. knock, d. f.] 

It is Victor of Antioch. Go and admit him. [Bardolf opens 

the door.] 

Eater Hector, d. f. 

Hec, Martin Wilsdorf, I will enter your house., for I have some, 
thing to say to you. 

Mar. My brother, you can speak my name ; and you can also 
speak the name of this member of our fraternity, but we cannot 
thus designate yourself. 

Hec. You may call me Hector, and you will bear in mind that 
1 have need of the utmost caution, for I have to serve in a double 
capacity. Conrad of Marburg thinks I serve him, and he must not 
be undeceived at present. 

Mar. Truly not. But tell me, if you have the right — Are you 
the only one of our Brotherhood that wears the robes of the holy 
office? 

Hec. I am the only one in Heidelberg, though I hope I may 
have companionship ere long. But we must not waste time now. 
The daughter of the Jew is at this moment beneath your roof. — 
[Martin hesitates.'] My brother, you must be frank with mn ; for- 
I am risking more than life in thus calling upon you. 



4t) THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Ad III. 

Mar. Pardon me. I did but follow an inclination born of 
caution. The daughter of Jacob Olsheim is beneath my roof. 

Hec. Then you must contrive some way to shield her for this 
niaht. Your house will be searched within an hour. 

Mar. How ! 

Bard. This house searched ! 

Hec. Yes. Every house in Heidelberg will be searched before 
the work is abandoned, and yours come among the first, as this 
street is in one of the districts that will be visited to-night. 

Mar. And do they suspect me ? 

Hec. No. They suspect no one yet ; but it is known that the 
girl must be in the city, and consequently, no dwelling will be left 
unsearched . 

Mar. By the mass, this is most unfortunate ! Whither can I 
convey her? 

Hec. She must not be taken hence to-night, Sir Martin, for 
there are spies at every turn, and no person can pass unchallenged. 
To move her beyond these walls at present would be both fatal to 
her and yourself. You must contrive some way to shield her. 

Mar. Mercy ! I know of no secure hiding-place within these 
walls. I can but defend her with my good sword. 

Hec. Ah, you must not think of that. Set your wits at work 
and see if you cannot contrive some quiet way of avoiding detec- 
tion. On the morrow the girl may be removed, should it be deem- 
ed necessary. It is unfortunate for us that Ave thus have her upon 
our hands. The aim of our Grand Master was, to save her father ; 
but as he is gone, and his child has fallen into our hands, we can- 
not desert her. And, furthermore, her arrest now would be dan- 
gerous to ourselves, for there is no telling what the inquisitors 
might extort from her. 

Mar. [ Thinking, ,] Are you sure that no suspicion is turned 
this way ? 



Scene I.] the Jewess of heidelberg. 47 

Hec. Certainly I am. Holy Mother! Had there been a sus- 
picion ever so slight of that sort, your dwelling would not have 
remained unvisited thus long. But my brother, I must leave the 
work with you. The spies and familiars must be near at hand 
and not for my life would I be found here. I can help you no 
farther. You know what is coming, and you must prepare to meet 
it. Only, let me call your attention to one fact: the eyes of these 
wolves are sharp, and their scent is keen. l\o ordinary hiding- 
place will escape their observation. 

Mar. Within an hour, you say, they will be here? 

Hec. It cannot be much longer. 

Mar. I will do the best I can. 

Bard. [Crossing himself.] And may God help us. 

Hec. [He goes to door f., and suddenly stops.] I must nofe 
leave the matter in this way. [He goes to the table and takes- 
from his pocket a paper — it contains red powder — and pours 
some into another paper and gives it to Martin] Sir Martin, we 
must not forget the sacred compact into which we have voluntarily 
entered ; nor must we forget that the end we have in view is the 
salvation of an empire. The Jewess may be taken; but, if we 
can prevent it, she must not go alive into the hands of the inqui- 
sitior.s Do not start. Even for her own sake, this simple powder 
would be as an angel of mercy ; for she had better die within the 
hour of her purity, than become the victim of the black-hearted 
Berthold. But there is a consideration beyond this; she is a weak 
woman, and in her terror she would be almost sure to reveal all 
that she knew. 

Mar. And what does she know ? 

Hec. She knows that you slew the two familiars. She could 
give them a clue, and when the demons have once gained that 
they will know which way to turn. Take this powder and mix it 
with wine, or with water, in a cup; and if, in the last extremity, 



48 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Ad 1I[ 

you find that the girl must fall into the hands of the familiars of 
the inquisition, you will cause her to drink the potion. Be assured, 
my brother, it will be better so for us, and better for her. [Mar- 
tin takes the powder.] 

Mar. Just heaven ! Do you think I can thus become the mur- 
derer of 

Hec. Hold ! You will be her deliverer — not her murderer. — 
Should I command you to do this, you could not escape the work 

Mar. Ha! You command ? [Hector throws open his coat 
and shows on his vest a steel cross surmounted by an eagle.] — - 

You are our lieutenant. 

Hec. I am. And now remember my instructions. Let not 
the beauty of the maiden unnerve your arm in the hour of a na- 
tion's peril. One false step now — one unfortunate discovery of our 
existence — might prove fatal to the high hopes of thousands. You 
understand me. [Exit d. f.] 

Bard. It is the lieutenant. He is next in power to the grand 
master himself. 

Mar. Yes. 

Bard. And his commands must be obeyed, when given undei 
the signet of his high office. 

Mar. By the Holy Angels ! The maiden shall not die. Good 
Heaven ! Sooner will I take the fatal potion ! 

Bard. Easy. The only thing to be benefitted by your death, 
would be the abominable inquisition. But, my master, let us reason 
calmly. Can we not save the lady ? 

Mar. Save her. How ? 

Bard. By hiding her. 

Mar. Alas, we have no place beneath this roof. 

Bard. Perhaps we may find a place. 

Mar. Bardolf, if you can find a place, you shall have my 
eternal gratitude. 



Scene L] the jewesr of heidelberg. 49 

Bard. She must be hidden in the simplest and boldest manner. 
Bolts and bars, and secret closets, and deep vaults could be of no 
avail, for the villians know how to oveercome all such objects. — 
Leave it to me, and I will so conceal her that she shall not be dis- 
covered. 

Mar. And how will you do \t? 

Bard. By olacing her where she will be the first person seen 
by the spies. 

Mar. T do not understand you. 

Bard. Send for the lady, and make her acquainted with the 
necessity, and then we will see how far she can help herself. We 
must be expeditious, for the rascals may be along very soon. [Mar- 
tin exit r, and re-enter conversing cnith Eleanor, r.] 

If you have the courage and nerve to act the part I am able to 
give you, I feel I can answer for your safety. 

El. Anything I Anything! I can be strong in such an ex- 
tremety. 

Bard. Then come with me, and take heart, Katrina shall help 
us; and your own servant shall bear us company, [to Martin.] 
My good master you had better remain here, so that if the famil- 
iars should come before we are ready for them, you can be on hand 
to receive them. 

Mar. [to Eleanor.] Courage, courage. If there is need of 
great strength, 0, in God's name be strong ! 

El. You shall see. kind sir. I know that your own safety de- 
mands this effort on my part. [Bardolf and Eleanor exit, u] 

Mar. The last words which she said sounds in my ears yet. — 
She would be strong because my safety required it. Such a look ! 
so beautiful, so good, and so pure. I think I shall love her. Folks 
say that us Christians dare not marry a Jewess. My heart tells me 
that it is no more wrong to wed a Jewess, who is kind, noble and 
honest than it is to marry a Christian maiden, [he walks to and 



50 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Ad III. 

fro and puts his hand in his pocket and draws out the paper 
which Hector gave him.~\ God have mercy ! I have already 
slain two men in the keeping of my pledge to the Brotherhood, 
and in answer to the same I am willing to lay down my life; but 
I cannot do this fearful thing. 0, what a curse would life be to 
me if my conscience were laden with the recollection of such a 
deed. The sweet face of the victim would haunt me here and 
hereafter, [he replaces the paper in his pocket and takes a seat — 
he also has his hand reclining on a table. Walter is heard with- 
out. Martin listens. ~\ 

Wal [without, r.] Whose dwelling is this ? 
El. [without, r.] It is the abode of Sir Martin Wilsdoif. 
Wal- We must see him. 

El. I will speak with him, sir, and inform him of your re- 
quest. 

Wal. Don't trouble yourself to do that. Lead the way and 
we will follow. 

Enter Walter and three familiars, d. f., lead by Eleanor, 

who is disguised as a common servant. 
El. My master, these gentlemen wish to speak with you. 
Wal. Martin Wilsdorf, we have come to search your house; 
but first, will you let us see the females who are at present beneath 
your roof? 

Mar. I am willing and ready to do any proper thing. But 
first I should like to know who you are, and whence you come 
and by what authority you make this demand ? 

Wal. We come from the holy office, and we are in search of a 
female who is summoned to appear before that august tribunal. 

Mar. Then of course you are at liberty to go where you 
please, [to Eleanor. ,] Girl, go and call Katrina and Calypso. 
[Eleanor exit r. and re-enter with Katrina and Calypso, r.] 
Here you have the females, gentlemen. There is one more mem - 



Scene I.] thb jewess of heidelberu. 51 

ber of my family, however, whom you may chance to find abed. 

El. Bardolf is not abed yet, sir. I left him in the kitchen. 

Wal. Then in the kitchen we'll find him ; so lead the way as 
directly as you can, for we have much work on our hands. [ Elea 
nor leads Walter and the familiars off l. Martin eonverses with 
Katrina and Calypso and sends them off, r. Walter is heard 
without, L.] 

Wal. [without, l.] Hallo! Look up here. Are you a wo- 
man in disguise? 

Bard, [without, l.] Eh ! What ? Holy Mother ! who are you ? 
[the familiars are heard laughing.] 

Wal. We are all gentlemen. 

Mar. You can rest assured that you are nothing else but a 
set of villians ! [aside.] 

Re-enter Walter and the three familiars, l. followed 
on with Eleanor. 

Wal. [to Martin.] 1 think that you are a particular friend 
of the Margrave. 

Mar. I think our prince counts me among the number of his 
friends. 

Wal. You will excuse us for the liberty we have taken, Sir 
Martin, bat we search all dwellings alike, be they the abodes of 
prince, potentate or priest. 

Mar. Every man should do his duty, be it pleasant or not. 
[He leads them out, d. f. — Eleanor sinks on a chair, l. — Martin 
re-enters, d. f.] You are weak, lady ; this trial has been too much 
for you. 

El. No, no, the ordeal has been a severe one, but I am not 
weak — not very weak. I shall soon recover from the shock, [she 
rises.] 

Ma7% I know dear lady, that your task has been hard, but let 
the reflection that you have passed safely through bear healing to 



52 THE JEWES8 OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT 111. 

your tried spirit. I believe the worst is over, and if we are careful 
now, all may be well. 

Enter Calypso, r. 
Here Calypso, take your young mistress to a place of rest. [El- 
eanor and Calypso exit r. Martin toatches them off J] 
Enter Bardolf Eberswald, l. 

Bard. Now my master, what think you of my plan ? 

Mar. It was most excellent, [taking Bardolf s hand.] By 
the mass I owe the maiden's life to you. 

Bard. More than that. You may I think truthfully say that 
we owe the lives of all of us to the happy thought; for upon my 
soul, I don't believe any other plan could have saved us. 

Mar. You are right, my brother. 

Bard. And the girl acted her part bravely. 

Mar. In truth she did. 

Bard. At first she seemed to think she could never sustain her- 
self in the presence of the spies of the inquisition. But when she 
came to understand that the safety of the man who had thus far 
served her was at stake, she at once became brave and resolved. 
What a pity 'tis she's a Jewess. 

Mar. Why so, my man ? 

Bard. Because, what a splendid wife she would make for some 
Christian gentleman. 

Mar. Some such man, for example, as Conrad of Marburg, or 
Bertholdof Baden. 

Bard. 0, Heaven defend her ! 

Mar. How, Bardolf. — are they not Christians? 

Bard. No ! I swear they are not ! The Jewess herself is a 
better Christian than they ! 

Mar. Then, after all, you admit that the lady possesses some 
of the Christian graces ? 

Bat d. Yes, certainly. In short, Sir Martin, she lacks only the 



'Scene 1.] the Jewess of heidelberg. 53 

name. Zounds! she should be converted to the true faith; and if 
I had your persuasiveness of argument, I think I could convert 
her. [Martin smiles.] Perhaps you think the task would be a 
hopeless one. Ah, if you know as much as I do — 

Mar. And what do you know ? 

Bard. I know that the beautiful Jewess feels the deepest grati- 
tude towards you. Mercy ! how quick the color came to her 
handsome cheeks, and how her tremulousness stopped, when she 
thought she had it in her power to save you. I tell you, my mas» 
ter, you must be cautious. 

Mar. How ? 

Bard. You must be cautious, 

Mar. Cautious in what ? 

Bard. In your speech before that girl. I can see — I can see s 
Ah, she has a very tender heart. If you were a Jew, or if she 
were a Christian, it might be all right, [A. knock, d. f.] 

Bless me ! it is another of the Brotherhood. "What can be the 
matter now. 

Mar. Go to the door and ascertain. [Bardolf opens the door.] 
Enter Victor of Antioch, d. f. 

Vic, Good day, Sir Martin. Good day, my brother Bardolf. 
[shakes hands with both and takes a seat.] So you have had a 
busy day of it. 

Mar. Somewhat so. But what have you heard ? 

Vic. I met Hector close by the bridge, and he told me all he 
knew. He told me of the death of the Jew ; of the death of the 
two familiars, and of the destruction of Olaheim's house. And he 
furthermore told me of the search that was being made for the 
Jew's daughter. Is the damsel here ? 

Mar. Yes. 

Vic. Have the spies been here ? 

Mar. Yes. 



54 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Ad III, 

Vic. And found her not ? 
Mar. No. 

Vic. Come, take a seat and explain all. [Bardolf exit, r, 
Martin takes a seat near Victor — both converse together, and at 
"the end Victor claps his hands.] Good ! I am glad the girl has 
been protected, for we owed to her father much gratitude. And 
-since she has thus far escaped the snare of her enemies, we may 
'hope to save her to the end. By the Holy Cross, Wilsdorf, we 
'have much to encourage us. Wherever 1 travel I find among 
those who dare to speak, the same enmity to the accursed Inquisi- 
tion. I tell you, its days are numbered in Germany. 

Mar. I hope so. 

Vic. You may hope with a strong faith, my brother. Our 
German people think too much to suffer long under such a fearful 
burden. Thus far our plans work well, and if we are true to our- 
selves, there can be no failure. But of this Jewess: I think she is 
Aery beautiful. 

Mar. She is. 

Vic. And I know that the Margrave will do all in his power 
to gain her. I tell you freely, Wilsdorf, I have taken a strange in. 
Merest in that girls welfare. [Martin feels uneasy. \ Be not sur- 
prised. I not only have a noble wife living, but I have a daughter 
almost, if not quite, as old at this Jewess. I sympathize with her 
because she is in danger from the unholy lust and cupidity of our 
deadly enemies. 

Mar. So do I sympathize with her. And she shall be saved 
if I have the power to do it. 

Vic. And still she is not wholly safe here. In fact, for a while 
she cannot be considered safe in Heidelberg. You and I both 
know the character of the Margrave, and we know his power. If 
we would save the maiden, we must remove her from the city. 

Mar. And whither shall she be taken ? 



Scene I.] the Jewess of heidelberg. 55 

Vic. There' are many places. In the deep, quiet valleys of the 
Schwarzwald, among the stout peasants, we can find a safe home. 
And the sooner we can get her off the better ; for, were she to be 
taken now, the inquisitors might extort from her some things which 
we might not wish them to know. 

Mar. Ah, Victor, you don't know the girl. I am sure she 
would die before she would betray us. 

Vic. Upon my soul, Wilsdorf, you have gained extensive 
knowledge of the maiden's character. 

Mar. Because such characters are very easily read. 

Vic. Have a care, or I shall think you regard the beautiful 
Jewess with some tender emotion. But, be not offended, my broth- 
er. Even if you really love her, you must see the soundness of 
my proposition. The child who has rescued a frightened bird from 
the jaws of a cat, is apt to concieve a strong friendship for the bird ; 
and so have I conceived a strong friendship for this unfortunate 
girl. She had better die than fall into the hands of the Margrave. 

Mar. Yes, yes. 

Vic. Then we must get her away from Heidelberg. 

Mar. True. I am acquainted with some of the peasants of 
the Schwarzwald. 

Vic. So am I. But neither you nor I must leave this section 
at present. I will find means to send her to some safe asylum ; 
and I will furthermore provide her with a suitable companion. 

Mar. She already has one companion. 

Vic. Do you know the old woman, Calypso? 

Mar. Yes. 

Vic. I think she had better not go, — at least, not at present. 
She has long been known as Jacob Olsheim's house-keeper, and 
she might be recognized. I think I have a better companion for 
the maiden. However, we will let the matter rest for to-night, 



56 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT IIL 

and on the morrow we will decide what shall be done. Berthold 
.of Baden shall not gain this prize. [He goes to d. f.] 

Mar. Not while I live! [Rising.'] 

Vic. Well then on the morrow you can expect me. • 

[Exeunt d. f.] 

Mar. [thinking, .] I know that Victor is a true and honorable 
man, and I fear not to trust him. And he feels an interest in El- 
eanor's welfare. And what do I feel? Ah, if it is a sin to love- 
a Jewess, then I fear that I have occasion to look to Heaven for 
ipardon ! [He looks up.] 

[Picture. — Scene closed in.~] 

Scene II. — A Plain Chamber. 
Enter Berthold, the Margrave, r. 

Ber. [He walks to and fro.'] 

Enter Conrad of Marburg, L. 
Now Conrad, what is the report ? 

Con. Nothing favorable. 

Ber. [stamping his foot.] Donnerwetter ! I do not under- 
stand it. 

Con. Easy, my lord. The girl has not escaped us. 

Ber. But there is some deeply laid scheme against us. Do 
you know, Conrad, what I believe ? 

Con. No, my lord. 

Ber. I believe that there is a secret society growing in Baden, 
the object of which is to break down the power of the inquisition. 

Con. Have you just discovered that? 

Ber. Ah, — do you know of the existence of such a- society? 

Con. I know there is something of the kind, and I will ere 
long reach the bottom of it. If I can contrive to get one of my 
trusty familiars into their midst as a member, we shall make short 
work with the plotters. 



Scene II.] the jewess of iieidelberg. o7 

Ber. Do it Conrad, — do it as quickly as you can ; for I know 
such a society would hold roe in its direst hatred. 

Con. Fear not that I shall allow any opportunity to escape 
me, I have too much at stake. The conspirators shall find them- 
selves at my mercy when they least expect it. Ah, they don't 
realize what a dangerous thing it is to kick against the holy office. 

Ber. Any assistance that I can render to this end you may 
freely demand of me. 

Con. At the proper time, my lord, we shall need your aid — 
First, however, I must unearth the monster; and that is a work 
which must be done quietly. 

Ber. And now you will turn your attention to this girl. By 
Heaven ! I must have her. 

Con. She shall be yours finally. But she must first answer 
me some questions. 

Ber. You do not mean that you will put her to the torture. 

Con. We will not harm her. 

Ber. By the holy cross, her fair body must not be scarred ! — 
Aye, — more. Your executioners must not lay their hands upon 
her. 

Con. But, my lord, she must be questioned. 

Ber. Then let her be questioned at the castle. She will speak 
quickly under the influence of fear. 

Con. I have no objection to that; but we shall not question 
her until we find her. 

Ber. We must find her! If your men have searched the city 
through, I'll send my soldiers into the country ; for she may have 
fled from Heidelberg. 

Con. Now you come to the point. And the sooner you start 
your troopers off the better. 

Ber. I will start them at once. They shall go in small panties 



')£ THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT III. 

and scour every road; and, in the meantime, you will continue to 
keep watch in the city, [both exit l.] 

Scene III. — Martin Wilsdorf's Apartments. — Sir Martin 
Wii.sdorf — Victor of Antioch and Irene are discovered — they 
converse together. Victor has a small bundle in his hand. 

Mar. But, bless me! You told me her companion should be 
a female. 

Vic. Yes. I had thought of my fair niece, Irene — the daugh- 
ter of my widowed sister. 

Mar. And can she not go? 

Vic. Certainly. I have brought her hither for that purpose. 

Mar. Where is she ? 

Vic. 0, Wilsdorf, are you so blind that you cannot see? Be- 
hold the lady Irene before you ! 

Afar. [He is surpriied and looks anxiously at Irene.] Dear 
lady, then you are going upon this adventure. 

Irene. So my uncle says. 

Vic. [to Sir Martin.] Now, you will call the Jewess. 

Mar. Yes. [exit r.] 
[ Victor and Irene converse together.] 

Me- enter Martin with Eleanor, r. 

Mar. You will be safer with some of our friends in the 
Schwarzwald than you can in the city ; and we have concluded 
to send you away as soon as possible. 

El. And you will go with me ? 

Mar. No, lady, that cannot be. My absence from the town 
might excite suspicion. But I think I can send Bardolf with you. 

Vic. Yes. I think your man would be a proper escort. 
Mar. And this good friend will also bear you company, [El- 
ruiwr is also surprised at seeing Irene.] 



SCENE IIL] THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. 59 

Irene, [takes Eleanor's hands.] I think, lady, that we shall 
be very good friends. 

El. 0, you are not a boy ! 

Vic. [to Eleanor.'] This is my niece Irene; and I shall be 
very much disappointed if you do not learn to love her. 

El. 0, T know I shall love her. [She kisses Irene.] 

Vic. Lady the sooner preparations are made for your depar- 
ture the better. Wilsdorf informs me that an old woman who 
has long been a domestic beneath your roof, is with you ; but your 
own good judgment must tell you that she cannot accompany you. 
The face of old Calypso is as familiar as was the face of your father ; 
and I greatly wonder that the spies did not detect her last night. 
She may come to you if you desire, by and by, but she must not 
go now. 

El. Kind sir, I know that you were a friend to my father, and 
I believe you are a friend to the daughter; so I will trust you. — 
Point out to me the way of safety from mine enemies, and I will 
not oppose you. 

Vic. I think the way is clear. I have brought with me a suit 
of clothes like those Irene wears, and you must put them on. [he 
gives the bundle to Eleanor.] After this you two will go to my 
house, whither we will shortly follow you. Now go with my niece 
and make the change in your garb. [Eleanor and Irene exit r. 
arm in arm.] 

Enter Bardolf Eberswald, l. 
Bardolf, do you know where the town of Eppingen is? 

Bard. I know very well, sir. 

Vic. In a deep valley, not moie than half a league from Ep- 
pingen, to the north-west, lives an old peasant named Andrew Forn- 
bach. If you can find him, and bear a message from me, he will 
give you shelter. 

Bard. I am sure that I can find the place. For I now recol- 



60 THE JEWESS OF IIEIDELBERG. [Ad HI. 

Ject of having stopped once in that valley when on my way to 
Ulin. At all events I cannot go amiss. And, if we can get away 
by noon, and meet with no accident on the way, we can reach the 
valley tu-night, for it is not more than ten leagues distant. 

Vic. It is not over nine, and the road is not blind to one who 
knows its windings. 

Mar. You are going away with a very precious charge, and 
you will not forget that I am deeply interested. I tell you frankly, 
Bardolf, that I hold the Jewess 

Bard. I know what you mean, and you may rest assured that 
1 will make answer to the trust with my life, if need be. You can 
give me no caution which I do not already comprehend. [Martin 
shakes hands tvith Bardolf, who afterwards exits v. F. — Victor 
converses with Martin.] 
Re-enter Bardolf, ready for travel, d. f. — also re-enter Eleanok 

and Irene, r. — Eleanor is dressed in the garb of a boy as 

Irene — All except Eleanor and Martin go to the window and 

converse together. 

El. [to Martin, taking his ha7id.~\ I am to bid you farewell ! 

Mar. No, no, dear lady. Let me call you, — Eleanor ! my own 
dear Eleanor! you are not going away with that look — not in that 
tone. You are not going for a long time; we shall meet again! 
I bid you adieu ! [He takes from his neck a steel cross and gives 
it to Eleanor.] But before you go, take this — it is but a cross; 
take it for my sake; take it for the sake of the one; who placed his 
life in defence of your own ! [she hesitates to take it,] Now come, 
take it. [he falls on his knees.] On my knees I beg of you to 
take this cross. Let me not beg you as I would a child ! Take it 
and remember me. [she accepts the cross.] 

1 'ic. [to Eleanor.] Make haste, for it is growing late. 

Mar. [taking Eleanor's hand.] Farewell, Farewell ! and God 
be' with you until you can safely return to Heidelberg! [he shake* 



iScENE 1.] THE JEWESS OF HEiDElBEKU. U 1 

hands with all except Victor — Eleanor, Irene, Victor and Bar- 
dolf, exeuent, d. f. — Martin goes to door and looks after them.] 
I Jove that girl with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all 
nay might. Eleanor, Eleanor, see here ! I wish to speak one word 
more to you. [exit, d. f.] 

CURTAIN. END OF ACT III. 



ACT IV. 

Scene L — The Woods — Stage quite dark — Thunder and 
Lightning. 

Enter Bardolf Eberswald, Eleanor cmcHRENE, l., in a hurry 
— Eleanor is dressed as Irene, 

Bard, [gazing around] Beim Ilcimmel ! I fear we shall nut 
reach Eppingen to night, 

El. I am not afraid of the rain. 

Bard. Ah, you know but little of the power of the storm when 
it breaks loose in this forest. Mercy ! you woukl'nt live through 
it. But there is a shelter not far away — perhaps half a league — 
where we can find rest, [noise of tramping is heard, r.] 

Irene. Hark ! 

Bard. I hear it. 

El. What is it? 

Bard. Somebody is coming. 

El. You dont think they are enemies? 

Bard. I hope not. 

El. If they are, we can hide in the woods, [all listen.'] 

Irene. They are troopers ! 

El. Are they enemies ? 



<Y1 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Ad IV. 

Bard. Let them be what they will, we must put on bold faces. 
It is too late to avoid them. 

El. O, good Bardolf, I see it in your face — they are enemies! 
They have been sent after us ! Are they not servants of the Mar- 
grave ? 

Bard. Yes, lady, and so you have more need of firmness s:nd 
composure. [As two soldiers enter r. Eleanor tries to escape to 
i,., when her hair gets entangled with the branch of a tree close by 
and her hat is brushed off her head — her hair falls over her shoul- 
ders — All gaze at her and are surprised^ 

Irene, [aside.] God save us! 

1st Sol. Ach ! Der Teufel und seine Groszmutter! Here is 
a wondrous head of hair for a boy. As I'm alive, I believe the 
storm has brought us upon the very prize we seek! [thunder and 
lightning.] 

Bard. What is it you want ?. 

1st. Sol. We want yonder damsel, for we know that she is 
the one we seek. 

Bard. Both these young people are under my protection, and 
I shall not let them go without an effort to prevent it. We are 
peacefully pursuing our way, meaning harm to no one, and I know 
not by what right or authority you interrupt us. 

1st Sol. By the holy saints! you'll learn to your cost by what 
authority we act. If you are acquainted in Heidelberg — and I 
believe you belong there — you know very well who we are. And 
now, in the name of the Mai grave, we arrest all three of you! 

Bard. You'll arrest the three if you arrest one. 

1st Sol. Zounds ! You do not mean to oppose us ? 

Bard. I shall protect my charge. 

1st Sol. Ah, fellow, you do not try to deceive us. [pointing 
to Eleanor.] Yonder stands the daughter of Jacob Olsheim, and 
we will take her back to Heidelberg. And furthermore, we will 



Scene I.] the Jewess of heidelberg. 68 

not tarry longer in this storm, [both soldiers draw their swords.] 
Look ye, we would prefer to take ye back alive, but the decision 
rests not with us; you can die here in the forest if you desire! 
[Bardolf also draws.] Der Teufel ! Are you a fool or a mad- 
man ? Do you wish to die in this pelting storm? 

Bard. I would rather die here than give up yonder [hesi- 
tates.] Call her a maiden, if you please — call her the daughter of 
the Jew; but mark you, I will die here before I will give her up J 
Now come on, and remember that over my dead body you reach 
your prize. I know whence you come and Avhat dark power you 
serve! [Thunder and lightning — Music — Bardolf fights with 
both soldiers — he kills the first soldier.] 

2d Sol. Surrender! and your life shall be spared. 

Bard. We will not waste time in words, for this storm is not at 
all inviting, and I am in a hurry to be on my way. And when I 
start, I shall not start towards Heidelberg. Now come on ! [both 
fight — -the soldier gets wounded and still fights on, but his strength 
fails him — Bardolf stabs him again — the soldier falls and dies — 
Bardolf sheaths his siuord and drags the bodies of the soldiers 
off, it.] 

El. Alas ! How much more blood must be shed on my ac- 
count ! 

Bard, [he ])icks up Eleanor's hat which has fallen and gives 
it to her.] My dear lady, do not allow this to trouble you. Those 
men have died because they would have consigned you to the 
hands of a monster. Now gather up those unfortunate tresses and 
cover your head from the storm, [she puts on her hat.] Courage ! 
courage! We'll find shelter by and by. [all exit, r.[ 



6.4 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [AcT IV". 

Scene II. — Michael Foaterii's Inn — a table and four chairs, c 
— a door, f. and r. and l. leading to two rooms — a fireplace, 
l. which is seen burning bright — Michael Forstern is discov- 
ered standing by the fire. Thunder and Lightning 

Enter Bardolf Eberswald, Eleanor and Irene, d. f. 

Bard, [shakes hands with Michael.'] How do you do. 

Mich. I'm all right, and how are you ? 

Bard. The same, thank you. Look here, friend, I wish you 
would please have a fire made in one of your private rooms, so 
that these young gentlemen can dry their clothing. 

Mich. And who are they ? 

Bard. They are young students on their way to Ulm, and as 
they are not overstocked with clothing, it might be more pleasant 
for them to be alone. Ot course for this trouble you shall be well 
paid, for the parents of the young gentlemen are wealthy. 

Mich. I'll call my wife, [tailing,] Theresa! Theresa! [Bar- 
dolf joins Eleanor.] 

Enter Theresa, r. d. 

[he converses toith her.] 

Bard. [Aside, to Eleanor and Irene.] While you are drying 
your clothes, you must keep your door secure; and, above all 
things, let not a sign of your true sex be given. Guard your 
voices; keep your hair out of sight; be stout of heart; and betray 
no fears or trepidation. 

El. Shall we have to remain here all night ? 

Bard. I cannot yet tell. Of one thing, however, you may be 
assured, I shall leave here as soon as I possibly can. Of course 
we cannot think of venturing out into this storm again. Mercy ! 
How the wind howls ? 

Mich, [to Eleanor and Irene.] Gentlemen, you will please 
follow my wife into a warm and comfortable room. [Theresaleads 



ScENK II.] THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. 65 

off Eleanor and Irene, l. d., thunder and lightning^ Upon my 
sou], this is a hard storm. 

Bard, [taking a seat by tabled] Some wine, if yon please, 
[Michael exit, r. d., and re-enter bringing luith him a bottle with 
wine and tumbler — thunder and lightning — Bardolf drinks i\ 

Mich. There it is again. 

Bard. You are somewhat used to such? 

Mich. Yes sir. I have seen many such since I have heen in 
this valley. 

Bard. Do you thiuk this one will last long ? 

Mich. We shall not see the eud of it to-day, though I fancy it 
will spend itself through the night. 

Bard. Do you have many travelers this way ? [takes a chair 
to the fire and sits down^\ 

Mich. Not many. Tnough you are not the first for to-day. 

Bard. Yes, yes. I met some travelers a couple of leagues 
back from here. 

Mich. Met them ? 

Bard. Yes. 

Mich. Then they passed not this way. 

Bard. Ah — there have been travelers in the other direction ! 

Mich. Yes-, — pursuing the same course with yourself. There 
were three of them, two of whom were officers. 

Bard. Officers ? 

Mich. I should think they were officers of some kind, At all 
events, they wore uniforms and were armed. 

Bard. And what in the world can armed officers be doing 
here ? 

Mich. In search of some escaped criminal, I guess. At all 
events, they were particular to know if any travelers had passed 
this way, and they furthermore took it upon themselves to make a 
thorough search of my premises. 



66 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT IV. 

Bard. You said there were only two officers ? 

Mich. Only two in uniform ; but the third man had much to 
do. In fact» he lead the search, and seemed to have authority. 
But he was a villianous looking fellow. 

Bard. By what authority did they profess to act ! 

Mich, They said, by authority of the Margrave. 

Bard. It would have been a mark of politeness, if nothing 
more, had they informed you whom they were after. 

Mich. Of course it would. Confound their impudence, I 
should'nt weep if I knew that thunderbolt had fallen upon them 
and crushed them, — especially the rascal that wore the black robe ! 
They turned my house upside down and never offered to buy a 
bottle of wine nor a morsel of food. Ah! somebody is coming, 
[ Michael goes to thex>. v., he partly opens it and looks out — thun- 
der and lightning.'] Der Teuyfel und seine Groszmutter ! 

Bard, [starting up .] What is it ? 

Mich. Beim Himmel! Those rascals aie coming back! this 
storm has frightened them. 

Bard, [aside.] I dare not trust this man. But what shall I 

do. It would not do to take the girls out into this storm. Ha! 

1 have it — {draws Michael away from the door.] Michael, is not 

your boy at hand ? 
Mich. Yes. 
Bard, Then Jet him attend to those people, and do you come 

with me, I have something of the utmost importance to say. 

Mich. Whither will you go ? 

Bard. Anywher so that we can speak in private. I pray you 
o-rant me the favor. Let the boy attend to the troopers. 

Mich, [thinking.] Well. You may follow me into that 
room, [pointing to r. d. — both exit there.] 

Scene III. — A Plain Room in Michael Forsterri's Inn. 
Enter Bardolf and Michael, r. 



Scene III.] the Jewess of heidelberg. 67 

Bard. Michael Forstern, do you know who those people are 
that have just stopped before your gate ? 

Mich. They are people whom I have no occasion to fear. 

Bard. One of them is a spy of the inquisition. 

Mich. And why should I fear a messenger from that holy in- 
stitution, [he makes the sign of a cross upon his bosom] 

Bard. [he starts at seeing the sign, and also makes the same 
sign.] I don't know why either of us should fear! 

Mich, [gazing into Bardolf's face sharply.] Eh! Yon ore 
from Antioch ? 

Bard. From Tyre. 

Mich Your name ? 

Bard. Henry. 

Mich. Is it true ? 

Bard. Satisfy yourself, 

Mick. The Son of God bore a Cross. 

Bard. So do I. 

Mich. That cross was of wood. 

Bard Mine is of steel. 

Mich. So is mine; and we are Brothers well met. [both shake 
hands together.] 

Bard. Aye, we are most exceedingly well met; [taking from 
his neck the cross which Sir Joseph Verdin gave him and holds 
it to view.] And by this sign, I demand your assistance. 

Mich. If you need it in our just cause, ray life is yours. I can 
only beg that you will be circumspect and discreet. [Bardolf puts 
the cross around his neck again.] 

Bard. My Brother, you shall know how much [need I have ; 
and since I find you to be one of our sacred order, 1 will trust yon 
fully. My traveling companions are not boys. 

Mich. Eh! 



68 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Ad IV. 

Bard. Not boys. Michael, but bolh girls. Do you know Vic- 
tor of Antioch ? 

Mich. Our deputy grand Master? 

Bard. The same. 

Mich. Certainly I know him. 

Bard. He it was who sent me upon my present mission. One 
of the girls is his niece, and the other is the daughter of Jacob 
Olsheim, the Jew. This fair young Jewess is the very person these 
villians are in search of. And not only has Conrad of Marburg 
set his hounds upon her track, but the Margrave of Baden has 
joined in the unholy work. Her father has already been sacrificed 
and now they would lay their bloody hands upon the daughter. 

Mich. Do you mean that Jacob Olsheim has been killed ? 

Bard. Yes. 

Mich. God have mercy on us ! [crossing himself.] When 
shall this work stop ? 

Bard. I hope before long. And now we must turn our atten- 
tion to saving these girls. How shall it be done ? 

Mich. Will not their boy's garbs protect them ? 

Bard. I fear not. The troopers might be misled, but that ras- 
cally spy is not so easily to be deceived. I tell you plainly, my 
brother, if the worst comes, the lives of those three men must not 
stand in my way. 

Mich. I would avoid bloodshed, if possible. Can you not 
think of some plan? I will assist you. 

Bard. What know these men of your family matters? 

Mich. Nothing at all. 

Bard. Is your wife to be trusted ? 

Mich. Yes. 

Bard. And your boy ? 

Mich. Yes. 



SCEN'E III.] THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. 69 1 

Bard. Then the girls must don new disguises and must pass 
for members of your family. You can say that they have come 
in from the forest since the storm broke. Bring your wife to me 
at once and then you may go and attend to your quests. 

[Michael exit r. and re enter r. with Theresa.] 

Mich. Theresa will help us, 

Theresa. That I will. Michael has told me that your com- 
panions are girls, and that they are in mortal danger. I will help 
you if I can. 

Bard. You can help us very essentially. We must put new 
disguises upon them. What have you ? 

Theresa. We can make a girl and a boy of them. A suit of 
Francis' clothes will answer for one of them, and we can easily 
manage a dress for the other. 

Bard. Let it be so. And now Michael, go you and attend to 
your guests. If they ask touching new arrivals, tell them that one 
has come — one only. If they have discovered the three horses 
and ask whose they are, just say they belong to the single traveler, 
and if they would know more, bid them wait until I come. 

[Michael exit r. and Bardolf and Theresa exit l.] 

Scene IV. — Michael For stern's Inn. 

Walter and tivo soldiers are discovered sitting by the fire. 

Thunder and Lightning. 

Enter Bardolf Eberswald, r. d. 

Bard, [seating himself by the fire. | A good day to you, 

gentemen. 

1st Sol. ) T i . 

- , o i > The same to you sir. 

[ Walter eyes Bardolf sharply.] 

Bard. This is a great storm, gentlemen. But I hope it will 
be over by to-morrow morning, as I have quite a way to travel. — 
But may I ask you where you are from ? 



70 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT IV. 

Wal. We are from Heidelberg, and are on our way to Main- 
hard t. And now may I ask where you are from ? 

Bard. Certainly, sir. I am from Mannheim, and I am on my 
way to Ulm. 

Wal. On business. 

Bard. Partly on business, and partly on pleasure. I am not 
'blessed with many friends, nor am I burdened with much business ; 
but friends and business together offer inducement enough to load 
me upon the journey. 

Wal. Do you bring any news from Mannheim ? 

Bard. Nothing of importance. 

Wal. When did you leave there ? 

Bard. Three dajs ago. 

Wal. Do you travel alone ? 
Bard. In one sense, yes; and in another, no. I have some 
four legged companions. 

Wal. Eh! 

Bard. I am taking some extra horses along with me. 

Wal. Do you expect to find use for them on the road ? 

Bard. No. I am taking them for a friend. They are simply 
entrusted to my care for safe delivery in Ulm. 

Wal. Might I ask your name ? 

Bard. Certainly. My name is Eberswald. And in return, 
may I ask what your name is ? 

Wal. I am called Walter. 
Enter Michael Forstern and Theresa, r. d. — they bring a ta~ 
ble with them — supper is on the table. 

Mich. Gentlemen, supper is ready, [exit d. f. All except 
Theresa seat themselves around the table and eat^\ 

Theresa, [calling.] Joseph! Joseph! 
Enter Eleanor disguised as a peasant, her face is rather soiled, 

R. D. 



Scene IV.] the jewess of heidelberg. 71 

[Theresa converses with Eleanor and sends her off l. d. — 
Walter watches Eleanor closely. Theresa calls again.] France- 
na ! Bring in the hot muffiins. 

Enter Irene disguised as a common servant. She brings in the 
muffins on a plate and puts it on the table, and exit R. D. 

Wal. Are these your children, my good woman ? 

Theresa. No, sir. We have no children of our own. The 
boy and girl are children of my husband's only sister. 

Wal. Where does your husband's sister live ? 

Theresa. She is at present residing in Strasburg. 

Wal. She is the mother of two promising children, Has she 
others ? 

Theresa. No, sir. 

Wal. I should think she would like their companionship and 
assistance of at least one of her children. 

Theresa. Ah, kind sir, she is herself but a servant. 

Wal. That will do. [ Theresa exit r. d.] 

1st Sol. [to Walter. 1 Of course we cannot leave this place- 
to-night. 

Wal. No. [all rise from the table.] 

1st Sol. Then I think we'll look to our horses, and after that 
find our beds; for, if the storm ceases, we may wish to be off 
early. 

Wal. A very good thought, [to Bardolf.] What think yon 
my friend, will this storm break up to-night ? 

Bard. Indeed, sir, I cannot tell. I am not qualified to judge 
weather-signs in this forest. Our host might give you the infor- 
mation. [He goes to r, d., partly opens it and stands without 
listening.'] 

Wal. [He looks around.] I have something to 6ay— -Sh !— 
But not here, Let us go to the stable. 



72 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Act IV. 

IS* Sol. ) w , , • .. a 

n , c 7 J- What is it? 
[Bardolf steals himself from u. d. awo" e#i*8 d. f.] 

TPa*". Obey me and come. [All exeunt softly, d. f.] 

Scene V. — A Wood. 

Enter Bardolf, l. 

Bard. So, so, my fine man, you have something to say, have 

you! I'll listen to every word — Ha! here they come? [he hides 

himself, r.] 

Enter Walter and the two Soldiers, l. 

Is* Sol. Now what isVit ? 

Wdl. Sh ! Let not your words be too loud ; I think we 

have hit upon something of importance. 

Is* Sol. Eh,— how so? 

Wal. Did you particularly notice that fellow who pretends to 

have come from Mannheim ? 
Is* Sol. ) v 
2d Sol f * es * 
Wal. And did it strike you that you bad ever seen him before ? 

[both soldiers shake their heads — JVo — ] I know that I have 

seen him, and I know that he belongs in Heidelberg. 

Is* Sol. Ha! then he is deceiving us. 

Wal. Of course he is, and lean tell you one thing more: — I 
have seen one of those horses within a week in our city. The ras- 
cal is imposing upon us. If he has deceived us in one thing, he 
has probably deceived us in others. Those three horses belong in 

Heidelberg. 

Is*. Sol. What more ? 

Wal. [all go and stand by the 2 e. r., looking in.~\ Much 

more. The horses are fully caparisoned, and I am sure that they 

have all been ridden to-day. [stepping within r. 2 e.] Do you 

observe that these reins have all been held tightly in the hand 

since the storm came. Just notice here : [the soldiers also go in- 



Scene V.] the jewess of heidelberq. 73 

side] See where the hands grasped this rein. You not only see- 
that it is gathered up here, hut in this spot it is not so wet, Look 
at the saddles too, why are they all three so dry ? [AU re-enter, 
r. 2 e.[ 

Wal. That means something. 

1st Sol. Certainly. It means that the man did not come 
here alone. But who came with him ? — thats the question ! 

Wal. I think that the so?i and daughter of our hosts only 
sister came with him. 

1st Sol. Eh! What mean you? 

Wal. I mean that there must be sleepless eyes in this house 
to night. A woman can lie as well as a man. I know that this 
stranger has lied to us, for I know that he came from Heidelberg 
and that two companions came with him. This knowledge led mo 
to watch that boy and girl who were not here when we called in 
the morning, and if the seeming boy is not a fair-faced damsel 
then I am mistaken. 

1st Sol. Holy saints! do you think she is the one we seek? 

Wal. Of that I am determined to satisfy myself; and to this 
end a strict watch must be kept through the night. We will go to 
our chamber and there arrange our plans. I will watch first, and 
when I am sleep I will call for a relief. Be very careful and let 
nothing betray the knowledge you have gained. 

1st Sol. But this old publican. 

Wal. He is an imposter and a protector of heretics ! If we 
find the Jewess beneath his roof, he will be food for flames very 
shortly. [ Walter and both soldiers exit l.] 

Bard, {creeps from his hiding place and whittles low] That 
infernal rascal suspects us. He is smarter than I had thought. 
[mockingly .] Be very careful and let nothing betray the knowl- 
edge you haAe gained. But 0, Mr. Walter, as you call yourself; 



74 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [AcT IV. 

You did not think that I was and am now watching you. By the 
Holy Cross that is in ray bosom, I swear that the Jewess shall not 
fall into the hands of these men — if they do take her, it will be 
over ray dead body ! I must hurry to the inn, for the villians may 
inquire for me. [exit l.] 

Scene VI. — Michael Forsterrfs Inn, 

Waxtar and the two Soldiers are discovered sitting around the 

table drinking — Michael is also discovered standing near them. 

WaL Your health, old man. [drinks.'] But where is our 
good friend ? 

Mich. Here he comes. 

Enter Bardolf Eberswald, d. f. 

Bard. Am I wanted ! [Walter and the Soldiers eye Bar- 
dolf very closely.] 

Wal. I was wondering if you had gone to bed. 

Bard. Not quite yet. I have satisfied myself, however, that 
I shall have a comfortable place to sleep in. Zounds ! how the rain 
beats down upon the roof, [to Michael] Have you got a lan- 
tern handy ? 

Mich, I think my boy has left one in the stable. 

Bard. All right. I will look at my horses, and then I think I 
will go to bed too. [exit d. f.] 

Wal. Show us our chamber, old man, for we wish to go to 
bed. 

Mich, [goes and pushes open the r. d.] This way, gentlemen 
[ Waller and the two soldiers exeunt r. d. Michael keeps looking 
in.] turn to your right, and you will find a door, open it, and you 
will find a room — look around and you will find three beds. Ah ! 
there they go right in. [he shuts the door.] 

Enter Bardolf, df. 
Bard, [in a whisper.] Have they gone to bed ? 



75 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT TV. 

Mich. Yes. 

Bard. Michael, (here is trouble ahead. 

Mich. I know there is, or at any rate, T have reason to believe 
there is. I know these rascals suspect you. 

Bard. Ah, my brother, they suspect more than that; they sus" 
pect you, too. 

Mich. Ha! 

Bard. Sh ! That black-robed rascal has ears at every point . 

I was in the stable while they were there. I was hidden behind 
some straw, and I heard the whole. Listen ! The spy told the 
troopers that he has seen me in Heidelberg, and that ths Jswess is 
here. And he also said 1 was an imposter, and if they find the 
Jewess beneath your roof you will be food for the flames very 
shortly. 

Mich. Mercy ! Then I am in for it ! 

Bard. I am sorry, my brother, but so it seems to be, and the 
question is : — How shall we all escape ? 

Mich. By the holy saints ! we must kill the rascals ! 

Bard. That may not be so easily done, for they will not all 
sleep. I wish we had more help. 

Mich, [goes to the d. f., looks out and returns.] The storm 
will not break before midnight. By heavens ! there is one source 
of hope. If I could but get ahorse out! 

Bard. That is impossible, Michael. The spy takes the first 
watch, and I know that a horse could not be moved from the stable 
without attracting his attention. But what would you do ? 

Mich. I would go to Sinsheim. 

Bard And what would you do there! 

Mich. We have true and faithful Brothers there. 
- Bard Brothers of the Steel Cross ? 

Mich. Yes. 

Bard. How far is it ? 



Scene VI.] the jewess of heidelberg. 76 

Mich. Two league?, 

Bard. Why bless your soul, you can walk there in two hours; 
la not the path plain ? 

Mich, Yes — to one who knows it. 

Bard. And you know it ? 

Mich. Perfectly. 

Bard. Then away you go. It is now not more than nine 
o'clock — three hours yet to midnight. You have plenty of time. 
Bring with you the help and we'll take the rascals prisoners. Do 
you not know of some place where they can be locked up ? 

Mich. We can find such a place; though, by my faith, I'd 
rather see their throats cut. I shall never be safe again while they 
live. 

Bard. I don't wish to shed more blood, if I can help it. But 
still you must not suffer. However, we'll capture them first, and 
then determine what further to do. And now what say you ? 

Mich. I am off. 

Enter Theresa, r. d. 

Theresa. What is the matter, Michael ? 

Mich. Matter enough ! They suspect us, and I must immedi- 
ately go to Sinsheim for help. By heaven we must take those ras- 
cals prisoners. Now, my wife, what say you ? 

Theresa. You can do just as you think best, but you must be 
quick about it, too. 

Mich. Bring my hat and I will go right away. [Theresa exit 
— Bardolj and Michael converse together — re-enter Theresa, bring- 
ing MichaeVs hat — she gives it to him — he puts it on.] 

Bard. Remember, Michael, time is precious. If we are watch- 
ful and true, it shall not be long before these beasts of the abomin- 
ble inquisition will have occasion to flee before us. [Michael shakes 
hands with both and exit, d. f. — thunder and lightning.] 



77 TUB JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Ad IV. 

Theresa. I will not tell the girls of this; they have both gone 
to bed ami they had better rest in peace. 

Bard. You are right Theresa. They need rest and they shall 
have it. 1 will lay down here and sleep a little. I think I shall 
awake when your husband returns. Be under no apprehension of 
serious danger, for the rascals shall die before they bring harm to 
you. [exit Theresa, it. d., Bardolf sits on a chair by the table — he 
Jails asleep — stage dark — Music — enter Walter and the two 
soldiers, r. d., softly — Walter has a candle in his hand — they 
approachBardolf who is still sleeping on.] 

Wal. Sh ! He sleeps! Make no noise! [He takes Bar- 
dolf s sword and the soldiers bind him to the chair on which he 
sits — Walter holds the candle in front of Bardolf 's face, toko 
awakes, is surprised, and tries to free himself, but cannot^] 

Bard. Holy Saint Peter ! What does this mean ? 

Wal. Can you not imagine ? 

Bard. No sir. I can imagine nothing. 

Wal. Then your imagination must be very dull. To tell you 
the truth, my dear sir, we fear that you have strayed away from 
your home. We think your senses are somewhat shattered. Do 
you really imagine that you belong in Mannheim ? 

Bard. No sir, I don't belong in Mannheim, I simply told you 
that I was on my way from Mannheim. I belong in Saxony. 

Wal. Never mind. We'll arrive at the truth without further 
assistance from you. The most that we shall require at your hands 
will be quiet submission ; and to this end I think we had better 
render you a little further help. [He gives the light to one of the 
soldiers, and takes from his pocket a handkerchief and binds 
Bardolf s mouth — Bardolf again tries to free himself but can- 
not. They leave Bardolf, and exeunt l. d. — they leave the door 
partly open — Irene is heard without l. d.] 

Irene, [tvithout l. d.] Mercy! Who is that? 



SCENB VI.] THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. 78 

Wal. Easy, my pretty lass. Der Teuyfel ! "What is this by 
your side? \_Eleanor is heard uttering a sharp cry.~\ Look ye, 
my fair damsels. I hav'eut time to ask questions now. You will 
get up and dress yourselves as quickly as possible. Come — you 
will save yourselves much trouble by obeying me. 

Irene. But, sir, you will not force us to arise in your unseemly 
presence. 

Wal. My two companions shall turn their backs while you 
dress. I can accommodate you so far, but no farther. 

El. [without l. d.] We are lost I lost ! lost ! 

Irene. Hush ! Even though death comes, let us meet it brave- 
ly. We cannot resist — so let us obey. 

Wal. Shall we lift you to the floor ? 

Irene. No, sir. We will arise. But, sir, will you not tell us 
what you mean ? Why are you here ? What have we done ? 

Wal. I will answer you your questions when you have arisen. 
[a pause.] Ah ! You were not the one who wore the boys garb. 

Irene. When it pleases our fancy, sir, we both wear boys 
clothes. 

Wal. Upon my soul, you have curious tastes. 

Irene. "We simply have taste for comfort, sir. These garbs are 
better suited for traveling in the forest than are the frocks and 
robes of the female. Come, sister. 

Wal. You make a most comely boy. What a pity you must 
give up so befitting a garb. 

1st Sol. Egad! If we hav'ent found our prize, then I'm mis- 
taken. 

Wal. Come, my men, make haste and take these ladies. 

Irene. Hold, sirs ! If you will lead the way, we will follow. 
Wal. Then follow me. And you may be left to move of your 
own accord if you move quickly. 



79 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Ad IV. 

Re-enter Walter and the two soldiers, l. d. followed in by El- 
eanor and Irene —they are dressed in the garb of boys — the 
same dress as in Act IV. Scene I. \Eleanor and Irene do not 
see Bardolf] 

El. ! Where is Bardolf ? 

Wal. [pointing to Bardolf] Behold him there ! 

Wl ) 

T ' y [both shrink away and weep.] All is lost! lost! — 

[ Walter and the soldiers retire, r.] 

El. 0, better for me had I died with my father. I should not 
have dragged others into the pit with me ! 

Irene. Hush! We may find friends in Heidelberg. Think 
not of me. God will not forsake us. But see! Bardolf is also 
taken. I will try and set him free, [she is about going to Bar- 
dolf, but Walter sees her, and he imshesher away — she shrinks 
away weeping — the soldiers open the door, f. — the noise of tramp- 
ing of horses is heard — all listen.] 

1st Sol. I think somebody is coming! 

Wal. And who is coming? 

\sl Sol. [still looking out, d. f.] Our host, and a band of 
armed men ! 

Irene, [aside — -falling on her knees. J Thank Heaven ! We 
shall be saved. 

Wal. [rushing to d. f. and looks out.] O, yes it is he. — 
Look to your weapons, my men, and be prepared. It may be 
that they are enemies. But the rascals cannot know with whom 
they have to deal. 

1st Sol. We had better make our escape, if we can. It may 
be a stronger party than we are. [Walter and the soldiers rush- 
to the c. and stand with their swords drawn.] 

Enter Michael Forstern and three men, d. f. — they are alj 
armed with swords. 



SCBWB VI.] TUE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. 



80 



Mich. Hallo! You're a precious set of villians, ar'nt ye ? 

Wal. Why have you brought these companions with you ? 

Mich. To help me do my work. [Sees Bardolf and Eleanor 
and Irene.] Ah — there they are. And I believe Bardolf is bound 
too. [he approaches Bardolf. but is stopped by Walter .] We 
want yonder damsels and we want that man ! 

Wal. You can't have them ! — Look ye, you know not upon 
what dangerous ground you are venturing. What I do, I do by 
authority of the highest tribunal in the land. 

Mich. Eh, — are you from the Emperor? 

Wal. jNo. I am an officer of the Holy Inquisition ! 

Mich. We don't recognize any such authority, so you'll give 
us up those prisoners without delay. 

Wal. Fool! You are rushing upon your own death! Do you 
know what it is to resist the authority of the inquisition ? 

Mich. I know what it is to arrest a set of villians ! So we'll 
not only take your prisoners from you, but we'll take you too. 

Wal. Holy angels ! these men are mad ! To my side, soldiers 
and strike to the earth the first that dares approach ! [the soldiers 
stand by Walter with their stvords draion — Michael and his men 
also draw their swords and stand ready to fight.] Cut them 
down ! 

Mich. Its war to the death ! You have given the battle cry, 
and you must abide the issue! [Michael's men fight with Wal- 
ter and the two soldiers — Michael rushes to the side of Bardolf 
and sets him free — Eleanor and Irene at seeing Michael rush 
to his side, and shake hands with him in enjoyment — The two 
soldiers fall and die — Walter at seeing that his soldiers fall tries 
to escape through d. f. but is stopped by a man running to the 
d. f. who has his sword draion across it — Bardolf also sees it.] 

Bard. In Heaven's name, let not that bloody rascal escape ! 
[He rushes from his seat and takes a sword from a man close 



81 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Ad Y\ 

by and stands facing Walter. .] Stand back, villian ! and fight 
with me, hand to hand. I am from Heidelberg! and yonder stands 
the daughter of Jacob Olsbeim ! the person you seek. I have but 
little time, so come on and fight I [Bardolf and Walter fight to- 
gether — Walter falls and dies — Characters looking on. Eiea- 
and Irene fall on their hues in a prayer. All shout Hurrah for 
the Brotherhood of the Steel Cross/ Picture, <£c] 

CURTAIN. END OF ACT IV. 



ACT V . 

Scene I. — The Forest — Therwald is discoversd sitting on a 

rock, l, — he is disguised as a Pilgrim. 

Eater Bardolf Eberswald, Eleanor and Irene, l. 

Tlier. [as they enter Therwald arises aiid stands himself be- 
fore them] h. God's blessing upon thee, noble sir! 

Bard. Do you want alms ? 

Ther. [he looks at Eleanor and Irene very sharply] I am' 
weary and hungry; I have walked far and have fared poorly. 

Bard. I have no food, but I can give you that which will pur- 
chase it. [He gives Therwald some money] 

Ther. Thank thee, kind sir. 

Bard. You have not been out in the storm ? 

Ther. I found protection in a deep cave not far from here, 
where I kept dry, but where I came near starving. Can you not 
tell me where I may find an inn ? 

Bard. Yes; There is one a league and a half behind: us. 

Ther. Ah, good sir, I wish not to go in that direction. 

Bard. Then push on towards Eppiogen. 



Scene I.] the Jewess of heidelberg. 82 

Ther. How far is it ? 

Bard. Not more than two or three leagues. 

Ther. Are you bound thither ? 

Bard. I am bound to Ulm, and I am in haste too. The road 
to Kppingen is plain and direct, and you cannot miss it. [all ex- 
euent except Thenvald, r., who watches them off and takes off 
his disguise.] 

Ther. Ha ! ha ! ha ! You did not think with whom you were 
speaking. [he looks at the pilgrim dress.] Just with this simple 
dress I'm a pilgrim, and with the dress I have on I am a familiar 
and an officer of the holy Inquisition ! — But those two young men, 
who can they be ? [thinking.] Why those same faces I have seen 
in Heidelberg some three days ago. — Der Teuyfel ! one of them 
must be the daughter of Jacob Olsheim, the one we seek! If that 
is not a damsel in men's clothes, then I'm mistaken. Now for my 
horse, and then to follow them, [exit l.] 

Scene II. — Andrew FarnbacKs Inn — 5ar 3 l, k. — A table, r. 

wine and two glasses is on the table — Andrew Fombach 

is discovered standing behind the bar. 

Enter Bardolf, Eleanor and Irene, l. 1 e. 
Bard I seek Andrew Fornbach. [Eleanor and Irene take 
seats and converge together^] 
Andrew. For what? 

Bard. I bear a message from a Knight of Antioch. 
Andrew. Ha! — from Victor? 
Bard Yes. 

Andrew. Then you are from Antioch? 
Bard. From Tyre. 
Andrew. Your name? 
Bard. Henry. 
Andrew. Is it true? 



83 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT V. 

Bard. Satisfy yourself. 

Andrew, [taking Bardolfs hand.] I need ask no more, for 
I know we are brothers. 

Bard. Aye, and well met. [both converse together, and at the 
end Andrew expresses astonishment /] 

Andrew. What sayest thou ? 

Bard. Those two persons who are sitting there are ladies! That 
one [ points to Eleanor ,] is the daughter of Jacob Olsheim. The 
Jew. Her father, poor man, is already dead. The familiars arrested 
him one evening and murdered him. Now Berthold, the black- 
hearted Berthcld — and Conrad, wish to arrest his daughter, 

Andrew, [calling.] Margaret, Margaret! 

Enter Margaret, 3 r, e. 
[Andreio converses with her and approaches Eleanor and Irene] 
You will be safe here, at least for a season, so put away your fears, 
and make yourself as comfortable as possible. 

El. Thank you. [to Bardoff] You will not leave us, good 
Bardolf. 

Bard. Not yet lady ; when I am ready to depart you shall 
have notice. [Margaret joins Eleanor and Irene.] 

Mar. Poor girls, you must be very tired. Come with me and 
get some refreshments. 

El. Thank you, kind friend, we shall do so. [exit Margaret 
followed off by Eleanor and Irene, r. 3 e.] 

Bard, [aside.] Ah, she confides in me because I am serving 
Sir Martin ! If I am not most wondrously mistaken, while 1 have 
charge of her I have charge of my master's heart ! [to Andrew.] 
You are a sworn member of our fraternity ? 

Andrew. Certainly. The wife of Victor of Antioch is a cou- 
sin of mine, so that noble knight knew me and trusted me. If none 
of our enemies have tracked you hither, I feel sure that the Jewess 
will be perfectly safe beneath my roof. But, should there be dan- 



SoENR II.] THE JEWESS OF HEIDELKEKO. 84 

ger, I have hiding places close at hand, known only to ray wife 
and myself. If you wish to return to Heidelberg, you can do so 
without fear of the result so far as matters here are concerned. 

Bard. I feel that I ought to return at once. Victor and my, 
master must know what adventures I have had upon the road. 

Andrew. They should know certainly. The only question is 
can there be danger to yourself in returning so soon ? 

Bard. No. For saving Michael Forstern and his wife, those 
with whom I have spoken upon the road, are past all power of 
troubling me. There is one man, however — a poor pilgrim — who 
hailed me.; but he is probably in Eppingen ere this. I will go and 
tell the girls about this — Ah, here they come. 

Enter Eleanor and Irene, r. 3 e. 

I think Sir Martin will be very anxious to hear from you, and I 
have made up my mind to see him very shortly. 

Irene. Aye, and my uncle will be very anxious too. I think 
you had better go, good Bardolf. [Andrew exit l. 1 e.] 

Bard. If I go, I shall go at once, ladies, and I can only ad- 
monish you to be very careful and circumspect. I do not appre- 
hend any immediate danger, but still there is no telling what may 
happen. 

Irene. If danger comes, sir, it shall not come through any 
want of caution on our part. Our hostess is a true friend 1 am 
sure, and I think her husband will not fail us. 

Bard. I can promise for Fornbach. 

El. H.ow long must this continue ? How long must my 
friends be in danger on my account ? How long shall I be hunted 
like an outcast and a felon? 

Bard. I hope not long dear lady, but you will not worry on ac- 
count of your friends. What we do we do cheerfully ; and while 
we serve you we are at the same time serving the cause of human- 



85 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT V.. 

ity throughout the empire. Bear up a little while and the end mav 
be bright. 

Irene, [to Eleanor.] It may be brighter than you think. 
Andrew Fornbach appears l. 1 c. and stands there. 

Andrew. My Brother, everything is ready for your departure. 

Bard, [to Eleanor, taking her hand.] I will tell my master 
that I left you safe and well, sweet lady. 

El. Yes. 

Bard. And is there any word you would send ? 

El. [tears start in her eyes.'] Tell him that God will bless him 
for all his kindness to the poor Jewess! 

Bard. I will tell him. [he shakes hands with Eleanor and 
Irene and exit with Andrew Fornbach. l. 1 e. — Eleanor and 
Irene seat themselves^] 

El. Alas ! What a sad lot is mine ! 

Irene. And yet, sweet sister, the sadness of to-day may be 
changed to joy on the morrow. 

El. [shaking her head.] No, no, there can be no more jov 
to me on earth. All that I loved have gone ! 

Irene. Eleanor, I ought to chide you for that speech. 

El. Forgive me, I know that you love me. 

Irene. And am I the only one 1 [a pause.] Am I the onlv 
living thing you love? 

El. You do not understand me, Irene. I meant not that my 
heart was cold. I love those who love me. 

Irene. Then you love good Bardolf ? 

El, Yes. 

Irene. Aud you ought to love my uncle Victor. 

El. I do love him. 

Irene. And you should love old Michael Forstern. 

El. How can I help loving him. 
£3 Irene. And our present kind host. 



Scene II.] the Jewess of heidelberg. 86 

EL I !ove him, too. 

Irene. And there is one other who has served yon — a brave 
and noble knight. Surely you should not forget in your love, Mar- 
tin Wilsdorf. [Eleanor looks pale and drops her head upon her 
bosom — Irene is surp>rised.~\ Have you no love for Martin Wils- 
dorf? 

El. God ! How can I love him ! 

Irene. Mercy ! Why should you love the others who have been 
k ind to you, and not love him ! 

El. Don't! Don't! You know not what you say. 

Irene. 1 know very well what I say. I know that of all who 
have befriended you, not one is more worthy of your deepest grat- 
itude than is WiJsdorf. 

El. 0, Irene, I am grateful, God knows I feel the deepest 
gratitude. 

Irene. And yet you feel not towards him as you feel towards 
■the others. 

El. \ gazes into Irene's face.] You are cruel, my sister. 

Irene. Hush, my dear Eleanor, you know I cannot be cruel to 
you. Not many possess what you possess. 1 

El. How mean you ? 

Irene. A heart so true and noble. A love so single and de- 
voted. 

El. Irene! 

Irene. Ah, Eleanor, that warm heart of yours is not a fit place 
for secrets. If Martin Wilsdorf could know what I know. 

El. He would know how grateful I am. 

Irene. Aye ! And he would know how deeply you loved hiai. 
Hush, my sister, you know I speak the truth. 

El. And yet it is not all true. 

Irene. What part is untrue? 

El. The Christian Kntrht cannot love the daughter of a Jew- 



87 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Ad V. 

Irene. Heart to heart! Soul to soul! What has love to do 
with such empty words. As true as I live the noble Knight loves 
you. 

El. And yet he would not dare to take the Jewess for a wife ! 

Irene. I can tell you what he would not dare to do. He would 
not dare to do a wicked thing. If he loves you, his love is pure 
and holy, and you are held to his heart as a sacred treasure. [El- 
eanor weeps.] My precious one, I have not meant to move vou 
thus. I have only aimed to give you hope and joy for the future. 
Before I saw you I knew that Wilsdoif loved you; and since I 
have been with you, T have become assured that you love him. — 
Look up, Eleanor. Am I not right? 

El. I never loved before as I have learned to love now. If to 
feel that in all the world there is but one tie that binds me to the 
earth; if to feel that in all the world there is but one shrine at 
which I can lay my heart; if to feel that life would be a burden 
were that heart-offering coldly refused, then I love Martin Wils- 
dorf. 

Irene. Now Eleanor, we are friends indeed. I know what it 
is to love. I will not take your secret without giving you my own. 
I too love a valiant Knight — a companion-in-arms of Martin Wils- 
dorf. You have heard of Baldwin? 

El. Yes. 

Irene. I am his affianced. We shall be married when there 
is peace in Baden. 

El. Alas! I am not so happy. In all the future I see no 
such joy for me ! 

Irene. You know not what the future may bring forth, my 
sister. 

El. Ah, the future cannot make me less the child of an out- 
ast race ! 



Scene II.] the Jewess of heideluero. ftrt 

Irene. 0, how wildly you talk. If Wilsdorf seeks those gra- 
ces which alone can adorn the christian character, he will find them 
all in you. As I live, 1 believe he has no thought else than your 
beauty and your goodness. When he knows that you love him 
be sure he will ask no more. I know it would please him if you 
could assume the christian name; but I also know that he would 
rather take to himself the pure heart of the Jewess, than bask in* 
the smiles of the christian maiden who possessed not the virtues 
that make the life as beautiful as the person. Ah ! somebody 
comes. 

Enter Andrew Fornbach, l. 1 e. 

Andrew, [approaches them.] Don't be alarmed. I only 
wan't you to see a visitor of mine. 

Irene. Is it any one whom we know ? 

Andrew. That is for you to determine. You shall see him, 
but I do not mean that he shall see you. It is a man in the garb 
of a pilgrim, and I suspect that it is the same that you met beyond 
Eppingen. If you will follow me, I will show him to you. 

Irene. I will go. [to Ealenor.] You may remain here. If 
it is the same man I shall know him. [Eleanor keeps her seat — 
Irene and Andrew go to l. 1 e. and stand there looking without 
— they speak softly, ,] 

Andrew. Look straight down there, and you will see him. — 
Who is it? 

Irene. It is the man we met upon the road, [both rejoin El- 
eanor.] 

Andrew. You are sure that is the man? 

Irene. Yes, sir. I cannot be mistaken. 

Andrew. Then I fear that ho is nothing more nor less than a 
spy. You need not be alarmed, though I am free to tell you that 
there may be need of great caution. 

El. Do you think the man suspects that we are here T 



89 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBEKG. [ACT V. 

Andrew. Yes. I think be more than suspects. I think he 
followed you from beyond Eppingeu, and saw you take shelter 
here, 

Irene. But, can it be possible that be suspects who we are '{ 

Andrew. Of that I am not satisfied. I am going to see him 
again ; and now that I have this clue, I can easily find out if he 
is to be dreaded. Remain where you are until I come back, and 
do not give yourselves any unnecessary alarm, [exit u 1 e.] 

Irene. Wait, Eleanor. There may be no danger after all. 

El. 0, I cannot give up my life now ! If Alas, I. am 

very foolish. 

Irene. No, no, my sister — you are not foolish. If what '.' 

El. If he loves me. 

Irene. Hush ! Your hope is not a vain one. 

El. But there is something terrible, Irene, in this gloom and 
doubt. 0, I wish Bardolf were with us. There is danger-^-I 
know there is, 

Irene. Then let us trust our kind host. He will help us if 
help be needed. 

Re-enter Andrew Fornbach, l. 1 e. 

Andrew. The man has gone. And it is not impossible that he 
may come back. At all events, T think you had better not remain 
in the cot over night. Not far from here there is a mountain cave 
where you can find shelter and safety, and as soon as possible, I 
will lead you thither. I have questioned the stranger all I dared, 
and I know that his coming was for some purpose. I cannot tell 
you all that I said, nor all that he said; but I can assure you he 
knows that the three travelers whom he met on the road stopped 
here; and I fear that he suspects more. He knows that the man 
who accompanied you has returned ; and when I caught the sig- 
nificant glances of his restless eyes, I knew that he thought more 
than he spoke. 



Scene III.] the jewess of heidelberg. 90 

Irene. Did he profess to have any errand here ? 

Andrew. No. He said he had intended to go to Eppingen, 
but that he had lost his way. 

Irene. That is false. For Bardolf pointed out the direct road 
to him. 

Andrew. Of course it was false. For no man would have 
thought of leaving the high road and turning into a narrow path 
on such an errand. However, we have fair warning, and we can 
be prepared. The sooner we go the better, for I am sure that you 
would have unwelcome visitors did you remain here. My wife, of 
her own accord, followed the seeming pilgrim to the narrow pass 
towards Eppingen, where she saw him lead a horse from the thick- 
et, which he mounted as nimbly as an experienced trooper. 

El. I think wc had better go from this cot right away. 

Andrew. All right. Now come. And we'll show the rascals 
that we have given them the slip this time, [all exeunt L. 1 e.] 

Scene III. — The woods — Stage quite dark. 

Enter Eleanor, Irene end Andrew, l. — they go across the 
stage, r. and are about to exit, but when Therwald and three 
soldiers appear r. they recoil and try to escape l., but the soldiers 
run after them and catch them. Therwald tears Eleanor's hat 
off her head and holds her. 

Ther. Aha, my pretty bird, we've caught you, eh ! Bless my 
?oul, how kind you were to come to us so readily. Did you know 
we were here waiting for you ? 

^4 Sol. Which is the Jewess? 

Ther. [piointing to Eleanor.] This. 1 have seen the face 
before in her father's house. Ho ! ho ! Our work thrives. Look 
to the old man, some of you ; for our master Conrad may have 
use for him. [The soldiers seize Andreiv and carry him off r. 
One soldier takes Irene, and Therwald is about to seize Eleanor 



91 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Ad V. 

by the hands, tvhen she tears herself from him and stands still.] 
El. Lead the way, and I will follow! \_Exit Therwald r. fol- 
lowed off by Eleanor weeping.] 

Scene IV. — Martin Wilsdorfs Apartments. Sir Martin Wils- 
dorf and Victor of Antioch are discovered. As scene opens 
Bardolf Eberswald appears d. f. — He shakes hands with both . 

Mar. Ha, my good Bardolf, I can see by your face that you 
have been successful. 

Bard. The girls are safe, sir. 

Mar. Thank God! 

Vic. I thought th^re could be no troube. 

Bard. Ah, but there was trouble enough, as you shall quickly 
hear, [takes a seat.] When we arrived in the forest, we went as 
directed, to Andrew Fornbach. When at once a storm came. On 
we travelled till we came about a league from Michael Forstern's 
Inn. 

Mar. Who is he ? 

Bard. A true and faithful brother! There was such a stor.n, 

that it was impossible for us to go to Andrew Fornbach's Inn. I 
made up my mind to go to Michael until the storm stopped. And 
as we turned in his direction, two soldiers came up so suddenly, 
that it made Eleanor so frightened, she tried to escape, when her 
cap flew off and her hair could be seen. The soldiers were astonished 
at seeing this; and they recognized her as being the daughter of 
Jacob Olsheim. 

Mar. What did they say ? 

Bard. They said that she is the person they were looking for 
And they demanded her from me. I told them that she is under 
my protection, and in a calm way, I said : they can't have her ! They 
said if I do not give her up, they will take me too. I fought like 
a gentleman, and killed both of them. 

Mar. What then did you do. 



SCENE IV.] THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. 92 

Bard. I hid their bodies in the woods, and then we went to 
Michael Forstern. As I was sitting in his inn, all at once three 
men came in ; one was an officer of the inquisition and the other 
two were soldiers. I was afraid of being found out who we were. 
1 first went to Michael and informed him of my secret, and he said 
that he would try to do ail that was in his power to save the Jew- 
ess. Eleanor aud Irene put on new disguises and passed off as 
members of Michael's family. As we were all at supper, the offi- 
cer of the inquisition asked me where T came from and whither I 
was traveling. I told him I came from Mannheim, and that I was 
going to Ulm. But the villian suspected me, for I heard him say 
that he had seen me not long since in Heidelberg. After supper, 
as I was going to bed, I heafd him say to his companions that the 
daughter of Jacob Olsheim was beneath Michael's roof. I told 
Michael they suspected us. He said that he would get some faith- 
ful Brothers and arrest the rascals He went off and I went to 
sleep — all at once I awoke and found myself a prisoner in the hands 
of these three men ; then they went into the girls' room and also took 
them prisoners. 0, I tell you, my master, I would have given all 
I had in the world for the use of my right arm and my sword ! 
As the vidians were about to take us back to Heidelberg, in 
marches Michael and some of our brothers. The rascals tried to 
escape hut they could not. Michael and his men fought with them 
and we killed all three. Then we went to Andrew Forubach. On 
my way there we met a poor pilgrim. I have left the girls all safe 
and here am I. 

Mar. By Heavens! there may be something serious grow out 
of this! 

Bard. Still, even if they find that their emissaries have been 
slain, they cannot trace the deed. 

Vic. Unless they bring it home to Michael Forstein. 

Bard. I see not how they can do that. To all appearance he 



93 THE JEWESS OF IIE1DEL3EKG. [ACT V. 

is a quiet old man, and surely no one not in the secret would sus- 
pect him of such work. 

Mar. [he feels tmeasy.] I don't like to think of that pilgrim. 
1 wish you had found out who and what he was. He may have 
been a spy. 

Vic, We will not worry unnecessarily, and if we think there is 
danger to the girls where they are, we will move them farther 
away. 

Mar. I will go myself. 

Vic. "We will decide upon that point some other time. 1 have 
an interest in that direction as well as you, for I love ray gentle 
niece. 

Mar. We will not beat about the bush. I know you love 
your gentle niece, and so do I love her — I love her because she is 
good and true, and generous, and because she has sacrificed so 
much to serve us. But I love the Jewish maiden with a different 
love. I love her as man loves but once in a lifetime. If deadly 
harm should come to her, I should know joy no more on earth. 

Vic. I understand you. And you may rest assured that the 
lovely maiden shall not be deserted. I do not wonder that you 
love the beautiful Jewess; but, before full success can crown that 
love, the power of the terrible inquisition must be broken. If you 
love the maiden with an honorable love 

Mar. Stop! I am not a demon like Berthold of Baden. 
With my own hands would I sooner pile the green sod upon Elea- 
nor's grave than touch her even with a blightful thought. 

Vic. I believe you, my brother. It is not impossible that you 
may go to Eppingeu; but you must not hope too strongly. We 
have many interests at stake, and in saving one we must not forget 
the others. 

Mar. Forgive me if I have seemed to think too much of my- 
self. Before God I promise you that I have no thought of for- 



Scene IV.] the Jewess of heidelberg. 94 

saking our cause, or of allowing anything to draw me from my 
duty. 

Vic. I know it — I know it. But 1 am sorry that Hector did 
■not make his appearance last night, for I am desirous of hearing 
from the inquisition, [a knock, d. f., Bardolf opens the door.] 
Enter Hector, d. c. f. 

Ah, my good lieutenant, you disappointed us last night. 

Hec. Business kept me away, and upon that business I have 
sought you. I discovered early last evening, that something of 
importance was transpiring, and I was not willing to remain in ig- 
norance. Spies had returned from the east and the Margrave had 
been sent for. Hour after hour I waited, and at length I gained 
the knowledge I sought; but when I had gained this it was too 
late to think of attending our meeting. 

Vic. And what was the secret ? 

Hec. Conrad, through his spies, has made two grand discover- 
ies. First, it had been discovered that four of the Margrave's 
troopers and one of the messengers of the holy office had been 
killed in the Black Forest; and second, the hiding place of the 
Jewess had been discovered. 

Mar. \he starts and is alarmed.] Do you speak of Eleanor 
Oisheira « 

Hec. Yes. 

Mar. Do they know where she is ? 

Hec. Yes. 

Mar. And they have sent their hounds to arrest her ? 

Hec. They have. 

Mar. [to Victor.] By the Holy On?? I must fly to her as- 
sistance; do not say me nay! 

Vic. Listen to our lieutenant. He has authority. ' 

Mar. Good Hector, if you have mercy, you will let me go. 

Hec. There is danger, Wilsdorf, 



95 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Ad V. 

Mar. Danger to whom ? 

Hec. To yourself. 

Mar. Out upon trifling, let me go if you love me ! I can be 
discreet. In Heaven's name send me on the mission ! 

Vic. Let it be as Sir Martin desires; I will not answer for his 
personal safety, but I will answer for his silence if- he is arrested. 
Let him go, and let Bardolf go with him. [ Victor and Hector both 
go to door f.] 

Hec. Be it so then. But Sir Martin, be not too hasty. Take 
your time and you may succeed in saving the Jewess. 

Vic. And as soon as you have saved her, let me know. [ Vic- 
tor and Hector exeuent, d. f.] 

Mar. Bardolf, make yourself ready, and we shall go immedi- 
ately. 

Bard. All right, my master. I am ready, [both go to the 
door f, in a hurry. 

Mar. In such a cause as this, I feel that I could face the whole; 
force of the inquisition ! [both exeuent, d. f.] 

Scene V. — A Street in Heidelberg. 

Enter Martin Wilsdokf and Bardolf Eberswald, l.. 
[they look back as they enter.] 
Bard. Easy, my master, we must not attract too much attention. 
Mar. "We arc far enough away. By the mass ! I have no 
heart for lagging now. They who can overtake us must go fast in- 
deed. Come, spare not your feet ! [both rush out r.] 

Enter Therwald and Jive soldiers, l. 
Ther. As I live, there he runs! and with him goes Sir Martin 
Wilsdorf — our master's brave tutor. By Heavens ! I did not ex- 
pect him to to be at such work. Come my men, and we'll arrest 
him. [all exeuent, r.] 



Scene VI.] the Jewess of heidelbero. 96 

Scene VI. — Michael Forstenis Inn — Chairs are seen 
lying about, &c. 

Enter Martin Wilsdorf and Bardolf, d. f. 

Mar. No one here ! [both look around the stage and open 
the doors r. and l.] There must have been some alarm. Old 
Forstern would not thus have deserted his home without unusual 
cause. Heaven grant that no evil hath befallen him ! 

Bard. Very likely he has gone to the mountains with his 
brothers. He must have discovered that this place might not be 
safe for him. 

Mar. We shall gain nothing here, so let us hasten on. My 
soul! if the other house should be likewise empty! — 

Bard. Then we will search farther. [Bardolf goes to the door 
f, and looks out.] 

Mar. What now? 

Bard. We are surrounded ! 

Mar. Surrounded ! By whom ? 

Bard. By the Margrave's troopers ! [Martin also goes to the 
door f. — he is surprised and both fall back to l. c] 

Mar. Beiin Himmel ! We have been tracked hither ! 

Bard. Yes. They have had their eyes upon this route from 
'the first. They have seen us when we did not see them. Will you 
surrender ? 

Mar. Never! To surrender is to die! We had better die 
here ! [both draw their swords.] 

Therwald and the five soldiers rush in. 

Ther. Ho, ho ! is it you, Wilsdorf ? 

Mar. You can see for yourself. 

Ther. By the mass ! I did not think to find my master's brave 
tutor engaged in such business. But I must perform my duty. 
You are my prisoner ! 



97 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT V. 

Mar. I am the prisoner of no man, unless of my own free 
will and accord. If you want me you must take me. 
Ther. How! Will you resist us? 
Mar. You will not take me while I have life ! 

Ther. By Saint Peter, my good Wilsdorf, you are wild and 
crazy ! You might as well think of escaping the doom of the 
final day, as to think of escaping the power that now seeks you. 
Your complicity in this abduction of the Jew's daughter is well 
known, and there is not a spot in Christendom where your head 
can be hidden from the Familiars of the Holy Office. I have 
never borne you any love, nor have I borne you any particular ha- 
tred; only I think you have heretofore held your head a little too 
high; and I am free to confess that it will not pain me to see you 
slightly humbled. Will you surrender, or must we use force ? 

Mar. As you please. — But, Therwald, if you advance upon 
me, you die ! [they both fight — one soldier tries to get behind 
Martin — Bardolf sees the movement and pushes the soldier back 
and fights with him and kills him, who falls and dies — Bardolf 
fights with the others — Martin kills Therwald, who also falls 
and dies — Martin fights with another, who also falls — as Martin 
and Bardolf are obout killing tioo soldiers, in rushes six more 
soldiers, d. f. — they seize Martin and Bardolf — two soldiers are 
about to dispatch them when Conkad of Marburg mshes in d. f. 
with his sword drawn, and pushes the two soldiers away who 
were about killing Martin and Bardolf.] 

Con. Back! Back! These men are mine, and he who dares 
to strike another blow shall suffer with them ! Their living tongues 
are of more use to us than would be a thousand dead men, though 
in life they had been Christ's most bitter enemies. 
[Picture — Scene dosed «?2.]| 
Scene VII.— The Woods. 
Enter Conrad of Marburg, eight soldiers and Martin and Bar- 
dolf, r. guarded. — All go across the stage and exeuent, l. 



Scene VIII. ] the Jewess of Heidelberg. 98 

Scene VIII. — A Chamber in the Castle — a table and two chairs, 
r. a door, l. — Eleanor and Irene are discovered sitting 
mournfully. 
Enter a Chambermaid, l. d. 
Cham. Can I do anything for your comfort, ladies? 
Irene. I know of but one thing. If you will open to us a way 
of escape from this place, we will bless you. 

Cham. Ah, my dears, you don't mean that. Mercy ! only 
think of it ! If you were to go away from here you would be ta- 
ken by the dreadful familiars, Berthold means to be very kind to 
you — I know he does, — and you ought to be very kind to him. 
If there's nothing I can do for you, I'll leave you to yourselves, for 
I know you must be tired. 

Irene. You may answer me one question. Where is the Mar- 
grave ? 

Cham. He is not in the castle, but he will be here very short- 
ly ; aud as he will very likely wish to see you, you had better 
be prepared for his reception, [exit l. d. and bolts it without.] 

Irene. Don't give up yet. There mast be help for us some- 
where. Our friends will discover that we have been brought hither. 
El. Alas! And what can they do against the power which 
now holds us ! 0, Irene, the end is near at hand ! 

Irene. And let us pray that it may be a peaceful end. Come 
come, we have one true friend left. We may look to God when 
all other hope fails us. 

El. Dear Irene, you and I are not to remain together. I think 
thev will take you away from me, [a pause,] You do not answer 
me, sister. tell me — do you think they will take you away 
from me ? 

Irene. Yes, Eleanor, I fear they will. 

El. [turning pale.] And when you are gone I wish to die! 
would that I had been permitted to fall asleep with my father! 



99 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Act V. 

Irene. Do not talk in that way, there must be help for you 
somewhere. Our friends will know that you are here, and 1 be" 
lieve they will not rest until you are free. And I too, have need 
of the same hope. Let us not despair. 

El. Yes, yes, dear Irene; you are in danger, but not in such 
danger as that which threatens me. 0, my soul ! I cannot bear 
the thought! 

Irene. Sweet sister, I know to what you allude. If I am taken 
away from you, you must be firm. Hold out to the end if you 
can, and let that end be 

El. [draws a dagger from her bosom.] See! In the last ex- 
tremity, this shall be my friend ! 

Irene. You are right; but you will rest 'till the last moment. 

0, all is not yet lost. The wicked fiends shall not triumph — hark ! 
some one comes. 

El. 'Tis the Margrave ! [she replaces the dagger in her bosom.] 
Enter the Chambekmaid, followed in by Berthold, l. d. 

Ber. [to Irene.] So, so, you are the daughter of our bold 
and trusty servant, Sir Victor. 

Irene. No sir, — I am his niece. 

Ber. Ah, 1 remember. But it is all the same. I will converse 
with you by and by; but for the present my business is with this 
other lady. You may leave us; this woman will show you which 
way to go. \a paused] Girl ! shall I call in my servants ? They 
are at hand. 

El. [aside to Irene.] Go; I will be firm. [Irene exit slowly 

1. it. followed off by the Chambermaid. Berthold closes the door 
after the?n.] 

Ber. Lady, if you fear me, you fear without just cause. Your 
fate is in your own hands, and I tell you the truth when I tell you 
that you may yet be the happiest of women, [he lakes a seat.] 1 
have a few questions to ask, and much of your .future good may 



ScENK VIII.] THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. ] CO 

depend upon the answers you give. In the first place I wish to ask 
concerning property which your father left behind him. You are 
probably aware that all his earthly possessions belong to the church, 
It is well known that he possessed much wealth, and it is also 
known that his wealth was largely invested in jewels of the most 
valuable kind. Search has been made, but those jewels cannot be 
found. Can you tell us where they are ? 

El. I can tell you nothing. 

Ber. Ah, my good lady, you do not stop to consider. I fear 
you do not understand me. You evidently regard me as one of 
those who were instrumental in your father's misfortune, but you 
are sadly mistaken. I am your friend, and if you answer me truly 
I can save you from the most terrible trial. Through my interces- 
sion you were brought hither instead of being conveyed to the in- 
quisition : but if I fail in my kind endeavors to gain from you the 
knowledge I seek, then the inquisitor will claim you at my hands; 
By Saint Peter, my sweet lady, if you have the least idea of what 
the inquisition is, you will not throw yourself into its terrible jaws ! 
If you do not answer me, you will be forced to answer the inquisi- 
tor. Do you imagine that you could hold your tongue in the hands 
of the executioners ? 0, ye Gods ! Tongue cannot describe the 
more than mortal torture to which you may be subjected. Mercy j 
that sweet lady must not be racked and torn and annihilated by the 
red-handed fiends. Tell me, I pray you, where your father's wealth 
is. Tell me, so that I may save you ! 

El. My lord, suppose I knew where my father, if he had much 
wealth, had hidden it; and suppose I should tell the secret to you 
— what then would become of me ? 

Ber. You should be saved. 

El. Saved from what ? 

Ber. From the dreadful doom of the Inquisition. 

El. And what then should be my fate ? 



101 THE JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [Ad V. 

Ber. By the gods ! you should choose youv own fate. — You 
should be the envy of all the maidens in Heidelberg! Come, tell 
me where your father's wealth is concealed. I do not wan't it — 
not a ducat — but the holy office must have it; and if I can lead 
them to it, they will spare you. Sweet lady, consider. You have 
a rare power in your hands at this moment. [He starts from his 
seat and approaches Eleanor.] 

El. Back ! back, sir ! 

Ber. What, lady — do you fear me ? 

El. I shall not fear you if you do not touch me. 

Ber. By the holy saints ! You are as perplexing as you are 
beautiful! But, I am going to make you love me. 

EL Touch me not, sir! Give to me the Inquisition if you 
will. I had rather be there than be in this castle. 

Ber. Poor fool ! The inquisitiors will question you through all 
the tortures your body can bear, and then they will return you to* 
me. If you force me to tell you the whole truth, you can have it 
in a very few words. You are mine — mine as long as I will. The 
inquisitior will give you up to me when he has done with you ; 
and you can make me hate you if you please. \He approaches 
her again. ~\ By the holy mother, I'll taste those sweet lips of 
yours in token of my possession ! 

[As he approaches, Eleanor draws the dagger from her bosom 
— Berthold is stirprised and stands c.J In mercy's name, what 
will you do with that dagger? 

El. I will strike you if I can. If I cannot, then I will strike 
myself. 

[A knock l. d. 
Ber. Who comes there ? 

Enter The Chambermaid, l. d. 
Cham. My lord, Conrad of Marburg is below, and wishes to 
see you. 



Scene IX.] the jewess of heidelberg. 102 

Ber. Tell hira I will be with him instantly, [exit Chamber- 
maid, l. d. bowing to Eleanor.] Put up that dagger, lady, and 
rest awhile. I shall see you again, and I trust I may then find 
you iu a more reasonable mood, [exeunt l. d. Eleanor sinks on 
a seat iveeping.~\ 

Scene IX. — A Plain Chamber. 

Enter Conrad of Marburg and Berthold the Margrave, r. 

Con. No, no ! You must not press your claims to this girl 
so hotly. You shall have her in the end ; but we have use for her 
here first. I tell you, my lord, there is a deep laid conspiracy — 
a con-piracy against the church itself, — and we must ferret it out. 

Ber. But, what can the Jewess know of this ? 

Con. She may know much. 

Ber. Pshaw ! Do you think conspirators, with their eyes open, 
would trust their secrets in the keeping of a weak girl? 

Con. Perhaps not willingly ; but I know that these same con- 
spirators have been instrumental in keeping the girl from us. Two 
of them we have already, and two more are being looked after. — 
Martin Wilsdorf and Bardolf Eberswald are safely under lock and 
key ; and we shall soon have possession of the bold Knights, Vic- 
tor and Baldwin. 

Ber. Why not question Wilsdorf at once ? 

Con. I shall question him, but not alone. The Jewess must 
bear him company. 

Ber. The Jewess ? — Do you mean my Jewess ? 

Con. . 1 mean Eleanor Olsheim, 

Ber. But, Conrad, what means this ? 

Con. Can you not guess? 

Ber. Indeed I cannot. 

Con. Then listen. I wish to ascertain from the Jewess where 
her father's money is hidden; and I wish to ascertain from Wils- 



103 TH!£ JEWESS OF HEIDELBERG. [ACT V. 

dorf concerning t his conspiracy. The girl ma) die beneath the 
torture before she will answer me; but will sbe see Wilsdorf die 
when a word of hers can save him? 

Ber. Eb! How is that? 

Con. It is simply this. Though the girl may look coldly upon 
you, she bears no such feeling towards this young and gallant 
Knigbt. Ye gods, look at the blood he has shed in her service! 
Even our own faithful Walter is among the victims who have fallen 
beneath bis sword. 

Ber. Death ! Does the girl love this fellow ? 

Con. Aye, that sbe does, my lord. 

Ber. Then let her be brought to see him tortured. Bv the 
mass, Conrad, you have bit the matter tiuly. The deeper her love 
for the Knight, the deeper sball be ber torture, when she sees him 
put to tbe rack. Spare him not, but let him be twisted and' 
crushed till tbe thing she has loved loses all human shape ! So 
much for the love that would lead ber to spurn me ! 
Enter a familiar, r, 

Fam. Victor of Antiocb and Baldwin of Tyre cannot be 
found. 

Con. Not be found ! 

Fam. Search has been made, my master. 

Con. Never mind — they cannot escape. The bold Knight. 
Sir Martin Wilsdorf, and Bardolf Eberswald will do for to-night. 

[All exeunt r. 

Scene X. — Chambers of the Inquisition. Conrad of Marburg 

and Berthold the Margrave are discovered. 

(See Scene V.—Act II) 

Enter Eleanor guarded by two familiars — they lead her to r_ 
She looks on the floor. 
Con. Eleanor Olsbeim! [Eleanor looks up.\ You are in 



Scene X.] the Jewess of Heidelberg. 104 

the presence of those who can temper justice with mercy ; who 
can give life, or give death. We have some questions to ask, and 
we hope you will answer us of your own free will, for we have no 
desire to put you to the torture. First : Do you know where your 
father concealed his wealth ? 

El. I can tell you nothing. 

Con. Must we submit you to the torture ? 

El. I am in your power. 

Con. You know not the pain, the terrible agonizing tormerts 
of this place. Answer me, and you shall go hence in peace. Ke- 
fuse, and you may die. 

El. I can die, sir. 

Con. Lady, you surely know nothing of the torture to which 
you may here be subjected ; and in order that you may gain some 
idea thereof, we will torture a victim in your presence. This vic- 
tim is to be a stout, strong man, and when you behold the agony 
to which we will bring him, you may form some conception of 
what you may escape if you will. And in this connexion I will 
give you a rare power of clemancy. When you behold the poor 
wretcn in his writhing pain, you may save him at any moment. — 
When from your lips drop the words that shall lead us to your 
fathers hidden treasure we will release the sufferer. Now we shall 
witness the depth of your humanity. \He claps once with his 
hands — bell tolls 1.] 

Enter Martin Wilsdorf, l. guarded by two familiars — they 
lead him to c. Eleanor at seeing Martin expresses astonishment 
— and rushes to his side — the two familiars that held her, also 
rush and take her away from Martin. 

El. 0! Martini Martin! 

Con. Martin Wilsdorf. [Martin looks around and gazes at 
Berthold.'] We know there is a deep-laid conspiracy in our midst, 
and that its object is to break down the power of the church in 



105 TUB JEWESS OV HEIDELBERG. |'AcT V. 

the empire. Ts there not an orginization in this city with such an 
aim ? 

Mar. Why do you ask me that question ? 

Con. No matter. Will you answer me directly * 

Mar. I know of no plan such as you have mentioned. 

Con. Are you a member of a secret society in Heidelberg ? 

Mar. You waste time, sir, in such questioning. I shall ans- 
wer you nothing. 

Con. We'll see. Take this man to the rack, my men, and 
put forth your strength. Let the victim feel what 'tis to dispise 
our authority. Ply the bars, and tear him limb from limb ! 

[bell tolls 2. 

As the familiars seize Martin and drag him off l. e. — Eleanor 
pushes the two familiars away and falls on her knees before Con- 
rad. ] 

El. Mercy! Mercy? — Spare him! Spare him! I will tell 
j ou all ! — you shall find my father's wealth ! 

Mar. [without, l.] Eleanor, trust them not ! Speak not a 
word; let me die where I am — we shall meet in a better world 
than this ! 

Con. Down with the wretch! [the familiars again seize El- 
eanor and. hold her — Enter a Familiar, r. 1 e ] How now, vil- 
lian ? 

Fam. We are surrounded by a furious mob, my master ! 

Con. Ha! Has the foul egg been already hatched? But 
they cannot gain entrance here. 

Fam. They have gained entrance to the inner court, and they 
are led by some one who has keys to all the doors ! 

Con. Then, by Heaven, we krive had traitors in our very 
midst! [Conrad and Bert/told rush from their seats and draw 
their swords.'] My men, strike any man! 



Scene X.J the Jewess of heidelbero. 105 

[Enter in a hurry r. 1 e. Andrew Fornbach — Michael Fors- 
tern — Brothers of the Steel Cross, headed by Sir Joseph Ner 
din, Victor of Antioch, Baldwin of Tyre and Hector holding 
the banner which represents the Steel Cross and Sword — all are 
armed with swords — the Brothers of the Steel Cross fight with the, 
Soldiers and Familiars — Sir Joseph Verdin fights with Berthold 
and kills him — Hector fights with Conrad and kills him — Elea- 
nor at seeing Victor of Antioch, rushes to his side — she converses 
with him and both exeuent l. e. — all the Familiars and Soldiers 
fall and dies — re-enter Victor and Eleanor with Martin — enter 
Bardolf and Irene, l. — they shake hands with all — Martin also 
shakes hands with all — Hector stands waving the banner over 
the body of Conrad. 

Hec. Thank God that mine has been the hand to free Germany 
from the presence of this monster ! 

Mar. Eleanor ! Eleanor ! Look up sweet love ! 0, you are 
saved — saved to bless me forever more ! But my love have you 
got that Cross which I gave you some time ago ? [Eleanor takes 
from her neck the Cross and shows it to hirni] Now my cup of 
joy runneth over I 

El. Henceforth and forevermore, we are one in Faith as in 
Love. 

TABLEAUX. 

DISPOSITION OP THE CHARACTERS. 

BROTHERS OF THE STEEL CROSS. 

ANDREW. MICHAEL. 

VICTOR. BARDOLF. VERDIN.. 

ELEANOR AND MARTIN. BALDWIN AND IRENE. 

SOLDIERS. HECTOR. SOLDIERS, 

. FAMILIARS, CONRAD OF MARBURG. BERTHOLD. 

R. c. t. 

THE end. 





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